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Photograpiiic 

Sciences 
Corporadon 


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CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/iCMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiquos 


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Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


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Couverture  endommag6e 


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22X 

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12X 

16X 

20X 

24X 

28X 

32X 

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originaux  sont  filmds  en  commenpant  par  la 
premidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

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dernidre  image  de  chaque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbole  — ^  signifie  "A  SUIVRE",  le 
symbole  V  signifie  "FIN". 

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film6s  A  des  taux  de  reduction  diffdrents. 
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et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  n6cessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  m6thode. 


1 

2 

3 

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3 

4 

5 

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C^/ie  J:^i(none'&}  Aiove,  v^/t  woia  a./e/  toon.. 


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THE  BROWNIES 

AROUND  THE  WORLD 


BY 
PALMER   COX 


jMlf>l««it.^ 


^H^^*!. 


^ryimmKfivt 


PUBLISHED    BY 
THE  CENTURY  CO. 

NEW  YORK 


Copyright,  1892,  1893,  ^V  The  Curtis  Publishing  Company; 
Copyright,  1S94,  by  The  Century  Co. 


}  I 


►rotOrties 

/^iie  fairies  and  goblins, 
are  imuginaty  little  sprites, 
who  are  supposed  to  delight 
in    harmless  franks    and 
helpful  deeds.     They  xvork 
and     sport     while     wearv 
households  sleep,  and  never 
allow  themselves  to  be  seen 
by  mortal  eyes. 


JMiIIIiiiii,, 


.f 


CONTENTS. 


Brownies  in  Canada 


Brownies  Cross  the  Atlantic 


19 


-^ 


Brownies  in  Ireland 


29 


Brownies  in  Scotland 


Brownies  in  England 


39 


48 


IX 


BltOWNIES  IN   FitANCE 


I'AOK 


')H 


BUOWNIEH   IN    Wl'AIN 


Bkownieh  in  Italy 


G8 


to 


i  * 


Brownies  in  Turkey 


Brownies  in  Egypt 


84 


90 


*   Brownies  in  Arabia 


Brownies  in  Germany 


96 


104 


.# 


i".\<ii': 


i    * 


Brownies  in  Switzerland 


Brownies  in  Holland 


Brownies  in  Russia 


110 


110 


120 


Brownies  in  China  . 


Brownies  in  Japan 


Brownies  in  the  Polar  Regions 


131 


135 


•  ■* 


t 


XI 


M 


OTHER    BOOKS    BY    PALMER    COX: 
PUBLISHED    BY    THE    CENTURY   CO. 


THE   BROWNIES: 
THEIR   BOOK 

Quarto,  i^o  pages.     Price,  in  boards,  §1.50. 


ANOTHER 
BROWNIE   BOOK 

Quarto,  iso  pages.     Price,  in  boards,  g'-^o. 


THE  BROWNIES 
AT   HOME 

Quarto,  i=;o  pages.     Price,  in  boards,  J'-?". 


^L'lH  •    •'•    •»^-^*3«*K,"-J*'i^«i^''>'J* 


,  ,    fiALfJE/iCO^ 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  CANADA. 


FiEST  Stage. 

HEN  signs  that  mark  the  closing  year 

Began  to  hint  of  winter  near, 

In  leafless  trees,  in  ice-rimmed  pond, 

And.  on  the  moimtain  peaks  beyond, 

The  Brownies  gathered,  (me  and  all, 

In  answer  to  a  general  call. 

All  representatives  of  note 

From  countries  near  and  lands  remote. 

Assembled  fast  at  close  of  day, 

To  lay  their  plans  and  have  their  say. 

No  less  a  scheme  they  had  in  mind 

Than  now,  before  their  powers  declined, 

While  still  they  had  the  strength  to  run, 

The  hearts  to  dare,  and  taste  for  fun. 

To  visit  all  the  nations  wide. 

Around  the  world  on  every  side. 

1 


THE  BBOWNIES  IN   CANADA. 


Said  one:    "My  comrades  tried  and 
No  picnic  trip  we  have  in  view, 
For  many  a  hardship  must  be  met, 
And  many  a  foot  in  danger  set 
Ere  we  can  reach  the  native  land 
Of  every  member  in  the  band; 
Strange  accidents  will  cross  our  way 
Of  which  we  little  dream  to-day; 
Strange  modes  of  travel  must  be  found 
Ere  we  can  circle  earth  around. 
With  fortitude  yourselves  equip 
To  serve  you  through  the  trying  trip, 
From  States  that  stretch  from  sea  to  sea, 
The  watchful  wards  of  hberty. 
Through  zones  that  gave  to  Franklin  brave 
And  bold  De  Long  an  icy  grave, 
And  tried  the  nerve  of  Melville  true 
While  rescuing  the  famished  crew, 
Through  lands  enriched  by  Pharaoh's  dust. 
And  cities  baked  in  lava  crust. 
To  where  that  flowery  realm  extends 
On  which  the  world  for  tea  depends." 
At  mention  of  these  far-off  cUmes, 
Where  they  could  have  such  wondrous  times, 
The  Brownies  smiled,  and  all  the  band 
Were  ready  now  to  hft  a  hand 
And  vote  that  they,  with  willing  hearts, 
Would  make  the  trip  to  foreign  parts ; 
And  should  misfortunes  sad  and  sore   . 
Assail  them  on  some  distant  shore. 


true. 


\, 


THE  BKOWNIES  IN   t^ANADA. 

No  blame  would  be  attached  to  those 
Who  did  the  daring  scheme  propose. 
That  night,  l^efore  the  moon  grew  pale 
And  hid  behind  a  western  veil, 
Or  stars  a  sign  of  falling  showed, 
The  daring  Brownies  took  the  road. 


f 


With  cunning  minds  the  travelers  planned 
To  keep  along  the  northern  strand, 
Until  they  skirted  Bafl&n's  Bay, 
And  Labrador  behind  them  lay ; 
Then  trust  a  raft  and  favoring  breeze 
To  take  them  o'er  dividing  seas. 
Tin  on  some  point  of  Europe  cast. 
The  band  would  find  themselves  at  last. 
An  easy  task  it  seems,  no  doubt. 
To  mark  a  course  for  others  out, 
And  every  one  will  understand 
Who  ventures  out  by  sea  or  lard, 
That  such  a  trip  would  have  at  best 
Some  trials  that  would  courage  test. 
It  seemed  to  argue  want  of  sense. 
But  in  the  Brownie  band's  defense 

3 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  CANADA. 


Let  me  remark,  the  Brownie  kind 
Are  not  to  human  powers  confined, 
For  mystic  arts  with  mortal  blend, 
Insuring  triumph  in  the  end. 


Deep  rivers  that  before  them  ran. 
Were  bridged  at  once  with  single  span. 
Tall  saplings  bent  from  top  to  root 
Were  fastened  in  some  way  to  suit, 


/ 


\" 


THE  BROWNIEa  IN  CANADA. 

Till  one  by  one,  in  single  file, 

They  crossed  the  stream  in  Brownie  style. 
Sometimes  a  city  stretched  before. 
With  all  its  bustle, 

jam  and  roar; 

'  ^^^  ~  its  rushing 

trains, 


; 


Its  blazing  squares  and  darksome  lanes; 
Then  Brownies  needs  must  circle  round 
And  dodge  about  for  safer  ground. 
To  thriving  towns  they  huiTied  all. 
And  visited  each  chiu'ch  and  hall. 
And  passed  opinions  freely  still 
On  what  they  saw,  as  Brownies  will; 
Then  London,  Gait,  and  Kingston  old. 
In  turn  received  the  Brownies  bold. 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  CANADA. 


Iff  rough  fif<  butfeui 
can^o 

Without  some  touch 
of  uoe  < 


To  Ottawa  went  all  the  band 

To  view  each  edifice  so  gi*and, 

To  Hamilton,  to  Goderich,  too, 

That  overlooks  I^ake  Huron  blue.^ 

The  Brownies  took  a  hasty  run 

For  observation  and  for  fun. 

Through  streets  that  are  Toronto's  pride 

They  hurried  on  with  hasty  stride. 

Viewed  banks,  and  buildings  made  to  hold 

The  money  which  is  good  as  gold. 

Looked  through  each  handsome  court  and  square, 

And  market-place  with  special  care. 

My  pen  has  not  the  space  to  praise 

Each  charming  sight  that  drew  their  gaze 

As  on  they  hastened  through  the  land 

Enjoying  scenes  on  every  hand. 

Once  while  they  halted  to  survey 

A  steep  and  grass-grown  mound  of  clay, 

Said  one,  "This  marks  an  old  redoubt 

Where  once  the  British  kept  lookout. 

When  Uncle  Sam  and  Johnny  Bull 

Had  their  last  interesting  pull. 

Or  tug  of  war,  as  records  show, 

Now  over  eighty  years  ago." 

The  Thousand  Islands  may  be  named 

As  something  that  attention  claimed. 

The  broad  St,  Lawrence  got  its  share 

Of  praise  and  observation  there. 

Said  one,  "  This  river  rolling  free. 

Between  the  chain  of  lakes  and  sea, 


\ 


mmaummumtuam 


■aa— WawBi-niTT-TM 


mm 


"^ 


THE   BROWNIES   IN   CANADA. 


fe^^J^^^.- 


Has  not  an  equal  far  or  near, 

For  water  sparkling  bright  and  clear. 

It  thrills  the  heart  and  charms  the  sight, 

Thus  dancing  on,  as  in  deUght, 

To  pour  its  fresh  and  crystal  flow 

Into  the  ocean  far  below. 

No  wonder  Indians  strewed,  like  stones, 
Along  its  banks  the  settlers'  bones. 
Before  they  'd  leave  a  scene  so  fair 
And  turn  to  seek  a  home  elsewhere. 
The  arm  indeed  might  well  be  strong. 
The  hatchet  heavy,  arrow  long. 
And  scalping-knife  be  ever  keen 
Defending  such  a  lovely  scene. 


' 


m 


\ 


Tf 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  CANADA. 


\ 


I  think  it  will  not  be  amiss 

Now  while  beside  a  flood  like  this, 

That  we  may  not  again  come  near 

On  pleasure  bound  for  many  a  year, 

For  us  to  take  a  boat  or  two 

And  down  the  stream  our  way  pursue." 

Another  said,  "We  can  command 

A  naphtha  launch  that 's  near  at  hand. 

'T  will  just  about  contain  the  crowd. 

Yet  every  one  have  space  allowed." 

Cried  one,  "  That  suits  us  to  a  T ! 

At  engineering  trust  to  me, 

I  've  had  some  practice  at  the  art 

And  well  can  undertake  the  part." 

Another  said,  "  I  '11  steer  her  straight 

Between  the  rocks  or  islands  great. 

While  all  on  board  can  take  their  rest 

Nor  be  with  creeping  fears  oppressed." 

It  was  not  long  until  the  boat 

Set  out  with  every  one  afloat. 

Some  chanced  a  little  skiff  to  find. 

And  this  was  soon  attached  behind. 

And  those  were  lucky,  so  they  thought. 

Who  in  that  way  a  passage  sought. 

They  sailed  along  with  joke  and  smile. 

And  much  enjoyed  every  mile. 

Until  some  foaming  crests  appeared 

That  told  of  rapids  that  they  neared. 

The  current  was  by  far  too  strong 

And  wild  for  them  to  right  the  wrong. 


THE   BROWNIES  IN   CANADA. 


m 


Their  hope  lay  not  in  turning  back, 
But  now  to  keep  the  safest  track. 
The  helmsman  stood  well  to  his  task, 
Nor  had  he  need  for  help  to  ask, 
A  dozen  members  of  the  crew 
Were  quick  to  tell  him  what  to  do. 


y^f^ 


Now  round  the  islands,  left  and  light 
He  steered  the  craft  with  wondrous  might, 
Now  grazing  banks,  now  scraping  stones. 
While  rose  the  cries,  the  shrieks  and  groans 


THE    HROWNIEH   IN   CANADA. 


Of  fri^litt'iied  Browiiios,  who  were  thrown 
Into  the  greatest  panic  known. 
At  length  there  came  u  fearful  shock  — 
The  launch  had  centered  on  a  rock, 
In  spite  of  all  the  sage  commands, 
And  left  a  wreck  u})on  their  hands. 
Just  then,  to  mu(*h  increase  their  woe, 
The  boiler  made  a  stir  below, 

As  far  too  often  is  the  case 

When  some  mishap  has  taken  place. 


'T  was  well  the  boiler  had  its  bed 
Located  aft  where  things  could  spread 
Without  destroying  all  the  host 
That  to  the  bows  had  crowded  most. 
Those  wIk)  were  sitting  on  the  rail 
Went  upward  like  a  flock  of  quail. 
While  those  aboard  the  skiff  had  soon 
Their  bearing  changed  to  strike  the  moon. 
And  quickly  learned  that  lunar  ride 
Had  much  their  trouble  magnified. 
A  watery  grave  had  been  the  lot 
Of  half  the  band  if  they  had  not 
Been  blessed  with  supernatural  power 
That  stood  them  well  in  liand  that  hour. 


Some  had  to  swim,  and  some  to  dive, 
More  held  to  planks  to  keep  alive. 
For  swift  the  river  swept  along 
Upon  its  course  with  action  strong.     . 


10 


i 


THE  BROWNIES  IN   CANADA. 


AsAge  dlvaii)s  on  apnce 
Still  \}tavef\ward  lift  j/ourfnc.e 


However  bad  the  rip  or  break 

The  Brownies  don't  theii'  ship  forsake. 

Till  they  've  exhanst(!d  all  the  means 

Known  both  to  landsmen  and  marines, 

That  they  may  have  within  their  reach 

To  bring  her  safely  to  the  beaeh. 

The  Brownies  gained  the  wreck  at  last 

That  still  was  sticking  hard  and  fast. 

Then  in  the  quicjkest  way  they  could 

They  patched  it  up  with  bits  of  wood, 

With  caps  and  jackets  calked  the  seams 

And  spliced  the  shattered  ribs  and  beams, 

Then,  launching  it  adrift  once  more. 

They  worked  it  to  the  nearest  shore. 

Thus  on  they  traveled  mile  by  mile. 

With  many  jokes  and  laughs  the  while. 

A  river  widened  to  a  ])ay 

At  times  occasioned  some  dismay, 

And  seemed  .to  bring  to  sudden  end 

The  trip  they  gladly  would  extend. 

Till  one  was  quick  to  raise  the  cry 

"  We  're  all  right  yet,  some  boats  I  spy 

Here  lying  on  the  weedy  shore. 

Let  some  take  rudder,  some  take  oar, 

And  soon  we  '11  travel  where  we  please 

In  spite  of  cuiTent,  tide,  or  breeze ! " 

At  once  they  rushed  a  seat  to  find, 

For  no  one  wished  to  stay  behind. 

And  while  they  rowed  the  boats  along 

The  band  united  in  a  song : 
n 


/ 


THE  miOWNIES   IN   CANADA. 


"A  happy  Brownie  band  aro  wo, 

Prepared  for  daring  deeds, 

We  ramble  boldly,  far  and  free. 

Wherever  faney  leads. 

For  us  the  forest  spreads  its  leaves 

And  throws  a  shade  below, 

For  ns  its  screen  tin  ivy  weaves, 

And  ferns  and  mosses  gi'ow. 

The  ehildren  strain 

Their  eyes  in  vain 
To  see  a  Brownie  sprite. 

For  those  that  find 

The  Brownie  kind 
Must  have  a  second  sight. 


"For  us  the  plantain-leaves  are  wide 

Enough  to  cover  two. 

For  us  the  stars  at  eventide 

Trim  all  their  lamps  anew. 

And  qui(?kly  we  can  slip  away 

When  they  forsake  the  sky. 

Or  keen,  observing  children  stray 

Around  with  prying  eye. 

We  hide  from  all. 

Both  large  and  small, 
By  day  as  well  as  night. 

Ah !  none  can  see 

A  Brownie  wee 
Who  has  not  second  sight." 

18 


THK   imoWNIEH   IN   ('AN.UJA. 

Htill  Imsteiiiii^  on,  witli  ardor  koi'ii, 
Tluy  mil  the  i'ui)i(ls  of  Lsicliiiu^ 
In  l)outs  that  tliroutoiu'd  luird  at  times 
To  briii<;  ail  cud  to  all  my  rhyiiics 


■';/ii- 


By  jjjiviii.u;  up  the  Browuie  band 
To  the  St.  Lawrence  River  grand ; 
To  roll  them  on  with  crazy  flow 
Into  the  ocean  far  l)elow. 
At  Montreal  they  pauised  awliile 
To  note  its  size  and  ancient  style, 
And  from  Mount  Royal  to  survey 
The  levelcMl  land  that  round  them  lay, 
Tlien  ran  to  see  the  shaft  of  stone 
That  in  a  (.'entral  place  is  shown 
Surmounted  by  the  gallant  tar 
Who  won  and  died  at  Trafalgar, 

13 


THE   BROWNIES   IN   CANADA. 

Tlieii,  walking  on  the  roof  or  ridge, 
They  crossed  the  long  Victoria  Bridge 
From  end  to  end,  not  trusting  to 
The  road  inside,  for  well  they  knew 
Tlie  trains  that  thundered  to  and  fro 
Were  every  hour  <>n  the  go. 
To  (Iranby  next  they  quickly  ran, 
The  birthplace  of  the  Brownie  man. 
By  tiny  streams  they  sat  and  smiled, 
In  which  he  angled  when  a  child, 
On  Sheiford  Mountain  stood  to  gaze 
AVlierc  oft  he  climbed  in  youthful  days. 
Thus  went  the  band 

.    the  country  through 
Enjoying  all  that 

met  their  \'iew. 
Those  who  can  only 

show"  a  nose 
Abroad  at  night, 

you  may  suppose. 
Have  watchful  times 

in  keeping  clear 
Of  dangers  that 

with  light  appear. 
But  still  the 

Brownies  worked 
their  way 
At  night  alone, 

while  through 

the  day 

11 


I 


-I  }■■■ 


THE  BROWNIES   IN   CANADA. 


They  kept  some  place 

that  served  them  well 
Until  the  shades 

of  evening  fell. 
At  length  Quebec 

appeared  in  sight, 
Perched  high  upon 

the  rocky  htight, 
With  cannon  pointing 

down  below, 
In  many  a  grim 
and  threatening 


I 


To  guard  the  river  deep  and  wide 
That  stretched  away  to  ocean  tide. 
Through  narrow  streets  the  Brownies  bound 
That  in  the  lowei  town  are  found, 
And  then  witli  nimble  feet  they  % 
To  reach  the  upper  town  so  high. 


THE  BliOWNIES  IN   CANADA. 


Said  one,  wlio  paused  to  look  around : 
''My  friends,  we  tread  historic  ground; 
'T  was  up  tliis  path,  so  rough  and  steep, 
The  British  did  at  midnight  creep. 
With  guns  unloaded  in  their  hands, 
Ohedient  to  the  strict  commands, 
For  fear  an  accidental  sliot 
Might  bring  the  Frenchmen  to  the  spot. 
Full  in  the  van,  with  bated  breath. 
Brave  Wolfe  ascended  to  liis  death. 
While  ]\rontcalm,  trusting  guards  to  keep 
A  careful  watch,  took  his  last  sleep ! 
For  lo !   the  early  dawn  revealed 
The  red  coats  stationed  in  the  field; 
The  Plains  of  Abraham  were  bright 
With  troops  all  marshaled  for  the  fight. 
I  will  not  lu'r(>  the  tale  intnide 
About  the  battle  that  ensued 
Of  rallying  ranks,  when  hope  was  low. 
Or  brilliant  cliarg(^s  to  and  fro. 
On  history's  pages  read  you  may 
How  fell  the  heroes  of  that  day; 

16 


THE   BROWNIEH   IN   CANADA. 

And  bow,  vva  shades  of  niglit  eanio  down. 
The  Uni(jn  Jack  waved  o'er  the  town." 
While  thi'ongli  Canachan  wilds  they  passed 
Where  snow  was  piled  like  mountains  vast, 
They  took  to  snow-shoes  long  and  stont, 
With  their  own  hands  well  fashioned  ont; 


I 


f 

i 


i- 


•K 


tmm^^^ 


17 


THE   BI OWNIES  IN   CANADA. 


I 


As  when  a  club  strives  for  a  prize, 

A  bowl,  or  cup  of  handsome  size, 

And  every  member  does  his  best 

To  keep  ahead  of  all  the  rest, 

80  every  Bro^v^lie  struggled  well 

His  puffing  conu'ades  to  excel; 

But  shoes  would  sometimes  hit  or  hitch, 

And  headlong  do^vn  the  mountain  pitch 

The  very  ones  that  seemed  to  show 

The  greatest  speed  upon  the  snow. 

So  he  that  for  some  distance  ran, 

A  smiling  leader  in  the  van, 

Would  thus  be  thrown  clear  out  of  gear 

And  left  to  struggle  in  the  rear. 

But  best  of  feelings  governed  still 

The  lively  race  o'er  plain  and  hill. 


1 


18 


i 


THE  BROWNffiS   CROSS 

THE  ATLANTIC. 


Second  Stage. 

Tin  farther  north  the  Brownie  band 
Pursued  their  way  across  the  strand 
To  where  the  sea,  with  capes  and  isles, 
Is  narrowed  to  one  thousand  miles. 
And  here  they  planned  some  logs  to  find. 
And  build  a  raft  of  strongest  kind. 
On  which  they  all  might  safely  ride. 
Until  they  reached  the  eastern  side. 
And  then  continue  on  their  way 
Through  foreign  lands  without  delay. 

Said  one  :  "At  this  time  of  the  year 

The  currents  eastward  set  from  here; 

And  if  our  raft  but  holds  together, 

And  we  are  blessed  with  pleasant  weather, 

Within  a  fortnight,  at  the  most. 

We  '11  surely  reach  the  Norway  coast." 

Another  said:    "Somewhat  I  know 

About  that  ocean's  ebb  and  flow, 

And  tell  you,  ere  you  court  such  ills 

You  'd  all  do  well  to  make  your  wills. 


19 


THE   BROWNIES   CROSS   THE   ATLANTK^. 

However,  it*  we  fail  to  reach 
Norwegian  soil,  we  11  find  some  beach 
That  to  our  raft  may  kinder  he 
Than  Norway's  rocks  or  maelstrom  sea." 
Tims  well  encouraged  at  the  start, 
They  socm  prepared,  through  mystic  art, 
A  wide  affair,  where  each  eould  rest, 
And  sit  or  stand  as  pleased  him  best. 
While  tmsting  with  a  patient  heart 
The  ocean  to  perfc^rm  its  part. 


Said  one :   "  No  state-rooms  we  '11  x^rovide 
Wherein  a  favored  few  can  hide, 
Nor  make  a  hold  or  steerage  deep 
Where  sojne  in  dangerous  times  might  creep; 
But  all  alike,  tlirough  storm  or  wreck, 
Must  take  their  cliJinces  (m  the  deck." 
With  willing  hands,  in  manner  fine 
To  cany  out  their  grand  design. 


At  work  the  active  Brownies  stayed. 
Until  the  strange  concern  was  made. 
Of  leatherwood  an<l  various  things 
They  manufactured  ropes  and  strings, 
Which  served  them  well  for  many  a  day 
With  stores  and  rope-w^alks  far  away. 
With  prospects  fine  the  trip  began. 
The  sea  with  even  motion  ran. 
And  straight  for  Europe,  as  a  crow 
(Nmld  wing  its  way,  the  Brownies  go; 

20 


\ 


1 


! 


THE   BROWNIES   CROSS   THE   ATLANTIC. 

And  as  tlicy  addod  mile  to  mile, 
Tlioir  pleas.'int  (diai  went  oti  the  wliilo. 


At  times  they  sighted  far  ahead 
A  siiip  with  all  her  canvas  spread. 
"Lie^low!"  would  be  the  shoiit,  and  all 
Upon  the  raft  would  promptly  sprawl, 
And  there  as  flat  as  flounders  lie, 
For  fear  the  lookout's  watchful  eye 


THE  BROWNIES  CROSS  THE  ATLANTIC. 

Would  take  them  for  a  shipwrecked  crew 

Thus  drifting  round  on  ocean  bhie. 

At  such  a  time  down  quickly  came 

Their  banner  with  the  Brownie  name, 
Concealed  from  sight  to  rest  a  space 
Till  they  could  safely  give  it  place. 
For  hours  without  a  stir  they  'd  stay, 
Until  the  ship  would  tack  away 
Upon  her  course,  and  pass  from  sight, 
And  leave  them  free  to  stand  upright. 
But  few  on  any  craft  can  ride 
Upon  the  north  Atlantic  tide 
And  not  some  scenes  or  trials  find 
To  ever  after  bear  in  mind. 


K   -1  ■ 


And  soon  the  wind  began  to  play 
With  billows  in  no  tender  way; 
But  pitched  them  up  into  the  air 
To  meet  the  clouds  that  lowered  there. 
'T  is  bad  enough  to  stand  on  board 
A  ship  with  life-preservers  stored 
And  count  the  minutes  passing  by 
Ere  you  their  saving  strength  must  try; 

But  harder  for  the  BrowTiie  band 
Upon  that  creaking  raft  to  stand, 
And  know,  if  in  the  sea  they  rolled. 
No  buoyant  cork  would  them  uphold. 
Said  one,  as  glancing  fore  and  aft 
He  tried  to  keep  upon  the  raft, 

22 


n 


THE  BROWNIES   CROSS   THE   ATLANTIC. 


"The  artist  paints,  and  poet  raves 
About  the  ocean's  tinted  waves, 
But,  let  me  tell  you,  when  you  stand 
'Twixt  sky  and  water,  far  from  land, 
With  gales  behind  and  squalls  before, 
And  angry  ocean  in  full  roar, 
You  're  not  so  likely  to  '  enthuse ' 
About  its  'cradles,'  or  its  hues. 

The  sea,  indeed,  since  early  days, 
Has  had  its  strange,  uncertain  ways; 
With  pleasant  calms  that  still  invite 
You  from  the  shore  in  spirits  light. 
It  leads  you  on,  while  scarce  appears 
A  ripple  to  awaken  fears. 
But  when  far  out  upon  the  main 
Where  wishes  and  regrets  are  vain. 
Into  a  boiling  rage  it  goes 
And  neither  sense  nor  pity  shows. 
But  jumps  around  in  manner  dread, 
As  if  to  find  another  bed. 

If  at  the  first  the  world  was  planned 
To  have  a  greater  stretch  of  land. 
And  less  expanse  of  treacherous  sea, 
It  would  have  better  suited  me." 
Another  said,  "My  friend,  I  fear 
Such  carping  won't  avail  you  here; 
Pray  keep  a  surer  hold,  you  'd  best. 
And  let  the  world's  formation  rest. 
Few  joys  through  life  one  may  obtain 
That  are  not  balanced  well  with  pain. 


23 


THE   BUOWNIEH   CROSS   THE   ATTiANTU;. 


It  may  be  suffering? 

of  the  fraiiio, 
Or  of  the  mind,  » 

't  is  all  the  same. 
You  can't  tliroiijjfli  foreign 

countries  roam 
And  have  the  comforts 

of  a  home ; 
You  can't  lie  under 

leafy  trees 
And  at  the  same  time 

sail  the  seas. 
Too  late  you  rave 

of  grass  and  flower; 
Now  that  you  're  in 

old  Neptune's  power 
You  '11  more  appreciate 

the  land 
When  you  again 

upon  it  stand." 
The  air  with  birds 

and  fish  was  tilled, 
Tossed  'round  as  wind 

and  water  willed. 

2-4 


i    Al 


\ 


/ 


THE   BROWNIES  (UtOSH  THE   ATT.ANTIO. 

'T  was  liMvd  to  toll  what  swam  or  flow, 
Such  rapid  transit  all  things  knew; 
Some  timibling,  tail  first,  on  their  way. 
More  upsi(l(i  down  passed  through  the  spray, 
While  shining  scales  and  feathers  long 
Were  yieldiag  to  the  gale  so  strong. 


Thus  talk  went 
on  with 
ready  tongue, 
As  still  the 
Brownies  stuck 
and  clung. 
Ofttimes  in 
close  embrace 
well  locked 
Across  the  raft 
they  reeled 
and  rocked 
Beneath  the 
overwhelming 
stroke 
Of  crested 
waves  that 
on  them  broke. 
Ofttimes  some 

demon  of  the  sea 
High  in  the  air 
would  lifted  be, 


THE   HHOWNIEH   CUOHH  THE   ATLANTIC. 


And,  passing  over  raft  and  crew, 
His  journey  through  the  waves  renew. 


«? 


20 


THE   BUOWNIES   (!R08S  THE   ATLANTIC. 


f 
I 


At  times  the  crew  was  frightened  well 
When  sharks  or  gi'nnii)us  splashing?  fell 
Wherc^  mighty  waves  did  mastery  win 
In  spite  of  twisting  tail  or  fin; 
Then  plowing  round  from  side  to  side 
The  visitor  would  slip  and  slide, 
Till,  to  the  great  relief  of  fish 
And  haraionizing  with  the  wish 
Of  every  Brownie,  down  he  went 
Into  his  natural  element. 


'T  was  well  the  ropes  and  hawsers  stood 
They  made  of  birch  or  leatherwood. 
For  had  they  parted  in  that  strain, 
When  consteniation  seemed  to  reign, 
'T  is  hard  to  estimate  the  loss 
That  might  have  followed  such  a  toss. 


4 


But  winds  go  down,  if  one  can  last 
To  be  around  when  all  is  passed. 
So  waves  grew  still,  the  fearful  squall 
Had  spent  its  force,  and  best  of  all. 
Though  out  of  shape  the  raft  was  tossed 
And  logs  were  broken,  others  lost, 
When  that  distressing  stonn  was  through 
Not  one  was  missing  from  the  crew. 
But  while  the  waves  around  them  played 
The  Brownie  band  good  time  had  made, 
For  now,  when  calm  the  ocean  grew, 
A  tract  of  land  was  plain  in  view. 


THE  BROWNIES   CROSS  THE   ATLANTIC. 


One  cried:  '"T  is  Norway's  ragged  strand!" 
More  said :  ''  It 's  not  so  wild  a  land. 
'T  is  more  inviting  to  the  eyes 
Than  shores  where  frowning  Norway  lies." 
But  as  't  was  land  they  needed  most 
They  made  all  haste  to  reach  the  coast, 
And  by  the  greenness  of  the  sod 
They  thought  old  Erin's  soil  they  trod, 

And  when  a  shann'ock  next  they  found 

They  knew  their  first  surmise  was  sound. 

And  with  a  hip,  hip,  hip,  hurrah ! 

They  gave  three  cheers  for  "Erin  go  bragh." 


1 1 


Unori  tfje  Irtiid  as  on  Hie  deep 
A  sl^iirp  looHout  tl;e  wise     ill  hjeen 


1'8 


' 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  IRELAND. 


Third  Stage. 

Brownie  band  stopped  for  a  while 
To  ramble  through  the  Emerald  Isle. 
Said  one :  "  This  land  from  shore  to  shore 
Is  noted  for  its  fairy  lore. 
There  's  not  a  child,  or  type  of  age 
Howe'er  unlearned  in  lettered  page, 
But  can  relate  some  legend  queer 
About  the  fairies'  doings  here. 

Old  women,  with  a  shaking  head. 

Can  muml)le  stories  dark  and  dread 

Of  midnight  cries  by  window-sill 

Or  chimney-top  that  boded  ill ; 

Or  in  a  lighter  mood  can  tell 

How  fairies  wish  young  couples  well. 

And  mounted  on  a  nodding  weed. 

That  serves  them  nicely  for  a  steed, 

They  ride  before  to  clear  the  way 

Of  dangers  en  tl.^ir  wedding  day. 


Hftnds  may  notuoifl^gold 
be  lined 
Still  do  tl/eir  part  ftt  aeroiae 
Hind. 


29 


1' 


THE   BROWNIES  IN   IRELAND. 

No  horse  will  stumble  on  the  road, 
No  wheel  come  off  and  dump  a  load, 
Eut  light  of  heart 

and  undismayed 
They  travel  by  "^ 

the  fairies'  aid." 
Ere  long  each  Brownie 

in  the  band 


Bore  a 
That  black- 
Which  flour- 
Such  sticks 
To  use  at  faction- 
That  through  their 
Of  timid  folk  soon 
A  happy  band, 
Enjoying  scones 


shillalah  in  his  hand 
thorn  bushes  did  provide, 
ished  thick  on  every  side, 
MS  men  oft  earned  there 
fight  or  fair, 
fall  on  tender  crown-^ 
cleared  the  toMTis. 
they  took  the  road, 
the  country  showed. 


At  times  they  paused 

upon  the  way 
In  verdant  fields 

to  run  and  play. 
Some  gathered  shamrocks — 

well  they  could, 
T''or  thick  on  every  side  they  stood. 

Said  one :  "  This  plant  so  widely  known 

Has  quite  a  history  of  its  own. 

For  we  are  told  that  long  ago. 

Ere  Erin  did  reUgion  know. 

The  good  old  saint  with  one,  in  1    'ef. 

Brought  to  his  knees  a  barbarous  chief. 

30 


Wl 


1 1 


<  ^ 


' 


THE   BROWNIES   IN   IRELAND. 


I» 


He  plucked  a  shamrock  from  the  ground 
And  proved  to  him,  with  logic  sound, 
That,  three  in  one  and  one  in  three, 
It  symbolized  the  Trinity." 
They  thought  to  ride  to  Mullingar 
From  Bantry  in  a  jaunting-car. 

But  it  was  hardly  fit  to  hold 
So  large  a  band  of  Brownies  bold, 
A  mishap  came  to  them  to  mar 
Their  pleasure  ere  they  journeyed  far. 
They  might  have  made  the  trip  complete 
And  each  Lave  kept  his  place  or  seat 
Did  not  a  linch-pin  break  or  bend 
And  give  the  wheel  a  chance  to  ^nd 
A  partnership  existing  long- 
Between  it  and  the  axle  strong. 
And  soon  that  dissolution  showed 
A  pile  of  Brownies  on  the  road. 
And  others  who  were  forced  to  shde 
Into  a  ditch  with  mud  supplied. 
Some  to  the  donkey  shouted  "  Whoa ! " 
But  he  was  in  no  shape  to  go. 

31 


Lights  and  sht-'iowA 
comeand^o 

Wfjile  w«  sojourn  /?««*€ 


* 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  IRELAND. 

The  creature,  that  was  none  too  sure 
Upon  his  feet,  could  not  endure 


The  unexpected  shock  and  shake. 
That  came  when  things  began  to  break ; 
So  feehng  that  his  days  were  told 
He  with  the  Brownies  helpless  rolled. 


:i2 


vNt 


f. 


>^- 


m^ 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  IRELAND. 

Some  left  the  cultivated  sod, 

And  on  the  nntilled  hillocks  trod — 

Those  mounds  that  rise  in  certain  lands, 

Built  up,  't  is  said,  by  fairy  hands, 

And  still  held  sacred  to  the  fay 

And  leprechawn  at  present  day. 

Some  ran  upon  the  springy  bogs. 
Or  looked  in  vain  for  snakes  and  frogs. 
Said  one :  "  St.  Patrick,  sure  enough. 
As  legends  tell  us,  used  them  rough ; 
First  laid  upon  the  rogues  a  curse. 
And  then,  to  make  their  lot  the  worse. 
With  blackthorn  stick  and  brogue  combined 
Made  short  work  of  the  reptile  Idnd. 

The  serpents  wriggled  from  the  shore 

To  hiss  upon  the  soil  no  more ; 

The  frogs  jumped  off  in  frightened  bands 

To  tune  their  pipes  in  other  lands. 

And  Erin,  to  this  day,  you  see. 

From  every  one  of  them  is  free." 


';! 


v^  ^!;em:^i^^\sc'''''^iM:''^-'' 


They  sailed  upon  Killamey's  lakes. 

Where  every  wave  in  silver  breaks, 

3  a 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  IRELAND. 

And  all  the  hills  around  so  green 
Reflected  in  the  floods  are  seen. 


Then  in  the  Druid's  temple  old 
They  stood,  and  many  a  story  told 
About  the  people's  rites  and  ways 
And  curious  myths  of  ancient  days. 
One  niglit  they  saw  a  dozen  spats 
Between  some  large  Kilkenny  cats, 
That,  to  the  old  tradition  true. 
Fought  till  the  hair  in  patches  flew. 


Provoked  to  see  a  temper  wild. 
In  pets  that  should  ])e  meek  and  mild, 
The  Brownies  broke  upon  the  fray 
And  scattered  them  in  every  way. 


34 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  IRELAND. 


Said  one :  "  Not  often  are  we  found 
Thus  waging  war  on  things  around. 
But  here  's  a  case  that  does  demand 
Some  special  treatment  from  the  band, 
And  we  but  exercise  our  power 
So  folks  may  have  a  peaceful  hour. 


As  for  ourselves,  we  little  care — 
A  wakeful  night  we  well  can  bear; 
But  those  who  labor  hard  all  day 
Their  bread  to  win,  or  rent  to  pay. 
Should  have  a  chance  to  sleep  at  night, 
And  rise  refreshed  at  morning  light." 


t 


To  Cork  they  traveled  from  Athlone 
And  hunted  for  the  Blarney  Stone. 
At  length  they  found  it  in  its  place 
And  kissed  it  with  becoming  grace. 
From  first  to  last  they  did  n't  rest 
Till  each  his  lips  against  it  pressed. 
It  did  their  nerve  and  com'age  try 
As  every  one  could  testify. 
'T  was  bad  enough  like  owls  to  hold 
A  footing  on  the  ruins  old. 
Where  all  the  stones  seemed  ripe  to  go 
In  showers  to  the  lawn  below. 


35 


THE   BllOWNIES   IN   IKELAND. 

But  worse  than  clinging  vines,  and  all 

The  dangers  of  the  crumbling  wall, 

To  find  the  stone  there  at  the  tip 

So  inconvenient  to  the  lip. 

No  wonder  then  the  heart  beat  fast 

And  through  the  head  misgivings  passed, 

While  hanging  o'er  the  parapet 

To  reach  the  stone  so  strangely  set. 


But  wilhng 
To  the  anibi 


hands  assistance  gave 


^/  tious  and  the  brave. 


Or  favors  might  have  gone  amiss 
On  stones  unworthy  of  the  kiss. 


f 


And  then  in  pleasant  frame  of  mind 
They  started  off  again  to  find 


yo 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  IRELAND. 


The  Giant's  Causeway,  high  and  gi*aud, 
The  greatest  wonder  in  the  land. 
Around  the  place  the  Brownies  strayed 
And  freely  th^^^  some  comments  made : 
"  This  way,  that  does  so  strangely  rise 
Like  organ  pipes  of  monster  size 
All  turned  to  stone,  once  fonned  a  road 
On  which  the  giants  often  strode. 
The  sl^ry  goes  that  long  ago 
They  traveled  holdly  to  and  f^o. 


4 


37 


THE  BROWNIES  IN   IRELAND. 


And  thus  passed  o'er  the  marshy  ground 
That  did  thuir  castle  walls  surround. 
The  last  one  of  the  giant  race, 
'T  is  said,  here  found  a  resting-place ; 
For  here  the  giant,  with  a  sack 
Of  plunder  bundled  on  his  back, 
Fell  from  the  road  one  stormy  night, 
And  in  the  bog  sank  out  of  sight. 
The  people  living  hereabout 
Were  not  inclined  to  help  him  out. 
But  watched  him  sinking  with  his  prog 
And  named  the  place  the  '  Giant's  Bog.' " 
Another  said :  "  'T  is  strange,  I  hold, 
No  searc^her  after  relics  old 
Has  ever  brought  around  a  spade 
And  here  an  excavation  made 
To  bring  the  giant's  bones  to  Hght, 
And  have  them  set  on  wires  aright. 
So  people  for  all  time  might  stare 
Upon  a  skeleton  so  rare." 
So  thus  they  talked  and  rambled  free 
The  wonders  of  the  land  to  see. 


38 


THE   BROWNIES 

IN  HCOTLAND. 

Fourth  Stage. 

time  the  band  of  Browiiies  bright 
Reached  Scottish  soil  in  great  delight. 
They  traveled  many  miles  to  see 
Where  Macbeth  met  the  witches  three 
While  he  returned  from  battle-plain 
A  hero  free  from  sinful  stain. 
Though  centuries  their  flight  had  ta'en 
Between  the  poet  and  the  Thane, 
And  centuries  away  had  rolled 
Since  that  dramatic  tale  was  told, 
The  Brownies,  with  unwearied  pace. 
Approached  ere  long  the  secret  place. 
Said  one :   "  This  is  the  very  spot 
The  witches  danced  around  the  pot, 
And  stirred  the  broth  that  was  designed 
To  poison  an  ambitious  mind. 
And  to  the  surface  omens  bring 
To  whisper  of  a  future  king." 

39 


I 


THE  nUOWNIEH   IN   HCOTLANI). 

AiiotluT  said:  "T  is,  suro  enough; 

I  fancy  I  can  siiioll  tiio  stuff, 

And  on  the  hoatli  behind  this  hill 

See  traces  of  their  tiro  still, 

O'er  which  they  boiled  the  honnd  mess 

That  broujjfht  about  so  much  distress. 


''•'*'*♦- ^ti*"^-*  «**^ 


^^x^^^'^^'im^' 


The  'eye  of  newt  and  toe  of  frog' 

Soon  gave  poor  Scotland  such  a  jog. 

Young  heads  grew  old  and  black  ones  gray 

Before  she  knew  a  peaceful  day." 

The  mention  of  those  stirring  times 

Soon  brought  to  mind  the  witches'  rhymes, 


40 


THi:    nUOWNIEH   IN   SCOTLAND. 

Ah  thci'o,  with  many  a  hop  and  squat, 
Thoy  danced  around  tho  })uhbHni;  pot. 
Ho,  joininj^  liaiids  upon  that  j^rouiid, 
Sonio  Brownies  (Umced  a  merry  round 
With  "Thri(;e  to  tliino  and  thrice  to  mine," 
Aeeordinjif  to  tlie  majjfic  Une, 

While  smiles  the  width  of  faces  tried 

As  conu'ades  formed  a  circle  wide 

To  see  with  what  a  show  of  art 

The  actors  would  perform  their  part. 


Then  off  to  other  points  they  strayed 
And  many  a  famous  scene  surveyed. 


A  view  of  Edinburgh  they  gained, 

Their  feet  were  still  and  eyes  were  strained 

As  they  took  in  the  pleasing  sight 

That  caused  both  wonder  and  delight. 


4" 


41 


IS 


1 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  SCOTLAND. 


I 


Through  inj:,i;ic  powor 

they  found  their  way 
To  rugged  castles 

old  and  gray, 
They  crowded  every  ''oot 

ojI  space 
Where  coronations 
once  took 
place ; 
Upon  the  ancient      \  seat  they 

crawled 
Where  royalty  was  oit 

installed. 
Saii  one:  "This  is  no  doubt 

the  chair 
Where  kings  received 

the  crown  to  wear, 
Wliich  proved  a  signal  for  attacks 
That  soon  laid  monarchs  on  their  backs. 
Short  was  their  shrift,  small  joy  they  found, 
From  having  been  as  sovereigns  crowned. 


I 


'T  was  but  a  step 

A  rough  one,  too, 

If  but  one  care 

Relating  to  that 

Then  secret  plots 

And  heirs  apparent 

Then  dirk  or  dagger,  ax  or  brand, 

Whate'er  lay  nearest  to  the  hand, 

42 


from  throne  to  bier, 

as  doth  appear, 

to  read  the  page 

nmrderous  age. 

were  planned  each  night 

passed  frorii  sight. 


li 


THE  BROWNIES  IN   SCOTLAND. 


Was  used,  a  wished-for  change  to  bring 
And  rid  the  country  of  a  king." 


The  Bruce's  sword,  so  long  and  large 

Well  made  to  split  a  casque  or  targe, 

Was  hefted  with  respectful  hand 

By  every  member  of  the  band. 

Haid  one :  "No  Avonder  foes  gave  out 
When  such  a  blade  was  swung  about, 
Or  for  his  crown  and  Scotland's  right 
He  brought  it  down  with  all  his  might." 


Gray  Ben  Venue  was  reached  at  last, 
And  famous  woods  and  fords  were  passed. 

"This  is,"  said  on--,  "the  Trosach's  dell 

Where  once,  with  sucli  a  fiendish  yell 

Clan  Alpine  saUied  from  the  glen 

Upon  the  frightened  archer  men. 

But,  lacking  Roderick's  bugle  blast 

To  cheer  them  on,  as  in  the  past. 

Were  checked  by  Moray's  lancers  brave 

And  tumbled  back  into  then'  grave." 

To  fair  Loch  Katrine  next  they  paid 

A  visit,  and  around  it  strayed. 

And  had  there  been  a  barge  at  hand 

No  doubt  they  would  have  shoved  from  land. 


43 


I 


It  3l;ou(ct  giue  pleasure 

to  us  all 
To  aid  the  u) eat*  op  those 

tii^ofnll. 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  SCOTLAND. 

Wild  Caledonia,  rich  in  scenes 

Might  well  tax  tven  Brownies'  means 

Of  getting  round  and  seeing  all 

The  places  worthy  of  a  call. 

They  traveled  far  and  traveled  wide, 

To  fields  and  mountains  every  side. 

To  lakes  and  streams,  and  castles  strong 

Made  famous  by  inmiortal  song. 

While  resting  on  a  structure  old 

Which  spanned  a  stream  that  swiftly  rolled, 

Said  one :  "  This  is  the  town  of  Ayi', 

And  this  the  bridge,  I  do  declare, 

To  which  the  screeching  witches  came 

When  Tam  O'Shanter  vras  their  game. 

The  kirk  that  stands  beyond  the  trees 

Is  where  they  sallied  out  like  bees, 

And  put  the  gray  marf-  to  her  most 

To  save  O'Shanter  from  a  roast. 


Close  at  his  back,  with  shout  and  jeer. 
They  chased  him  to  the  keystone  here. 
But  farther  than  this  spot  they  dare 
Not  follow  either  Tam  or  mare." 
Then  one,  who  measured  with  his  eyes 
The  distance,  thus  expressed  surprise : 
"  It  puzzles  me,  that  stormy  night. 
When  roads  were  muddy,  lightning  bright. 
And  all  the  witches,  howl  ng  mad. 
Were  at  tlie  time  so  lightly  clad, 


44 


I 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  SCOTLAND. 


How  Tarn's  old  mare,  the  tmth  to  tell, 
Could  keep  ahead  of  them  so  well." 


■'•S^i'^^^  '     ~ 


nm  Cox. 


oft  birds  fl(nt  «o«r 
Oft  best 

Rite  from  fhe  b«rdcjt 
Jie»t. 


Then  to  the  humble  cottage  small 

Where  Burns  was  l)orn,  they  hastened  all, 

To  ':ilk  about  the  noted  spot 

That  t>^  roverod  by  every  Scot 

Soi'1  one:  "A  lowly  home,  ni  tmth. 
Where  that  bright  poet  passed  his  youth, 
Wliicli  prov('s  that  genius,  now  and  then. 
Is  not  confined  to  high-born  men, 
But  through  mysterious  ways  fiivine 
In  humble  souls  'inds  room  to  shine." 
With  bagpip<'      ii  their  arms,  in  pairs. 
They  marched  and  played  sweet  Scottish  airs 

46 


I 


¥ 


THE  BROWNIES   IN  SCOTLAND. 

like  "Annie  Laurie,"  "  Bonnie  Doon," 
And  many  a  soul-inspiring  tune. 
It  chanced  to  be  the  time  of  year 
When  ice  was  spread  on  stream  and  mere, 
And  hardy  Scot^'hmen  strained  their  bones 
And  muscles,  shoving  curling-st(mes. 
And  made  the  very  hills  applaud. 
Or  echo  back  their  language  broad. 

The  Brownii^s,  from  a  neigh))oring  height 

Peeped  down  upon  the  pleasing  sight 

Until  the  shades  of  evening  came 

And  made  the  players  quit  their  game. 

Said  one:  "Let  half  a  dozen  go 

For  brooms  to  sweep  away  the  snow 

While  others  rifi  without  delay 

To  find  w^liere  stones  are  laid  away. 

This  ciu'ling  game,  that  to  the  band 

May  seem  so  strange,  I  understand. 

I  've  watched  them  play  till  after  dark 

On  frozen  lakes  within  the  park. 

And  heard  the  loud  approval,  too. 

Of  'Weel  done,  Sawnie;  guid  for  you!'" 
It  was  not  long,  as  one  may  think. 
Before  they  stood  around  the  rink. 
Some  for  the  sport  were  doubly  nerved, 
And  won  applause  they  well  deservod, 
While  otht?rs  soon  had  {irliing  Ixmes 
Who  got  in  front  of  sliding  stones. 
Sometimes  the  stones  hit  with  such  force 
They  split,  or,  bounding  on  their  course, 

46 


**-n. 


THE  LIl'^WNIES   IN   SCOTLAND. 


Rolled  on  the  edge  and  havoc  made 
Among  the  busy  broom  brigade; 
But  ere  the  light  of  morning  came 
All  understood  the  curhng  game. 


[  Tfjui  w«  ju  /ram  InitU  Tu  lAnd 

I  3r*trig  what  is  StrMrtat  «nd^riint('j 


47 


\ 


1! 


Do  good  for£oodness  aR\\e 

a[u)tk.ya 
Not  for  reu/ira  oil  enrtb, 
nor  praise,        ♦ 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  ENGLAND. 


Fifth  Stage. 

e  Brownies  next  when  plans  were  laid, 
A  visit  to  Old  England  paid; 
They  sought  the  country  towns  and  all 
At  Shakspere's  birthplace  made  a  call. 
Found  time  around  the  house  to  stray 
Where  lived  and  loved  Ann  Hathaway. 
At  length,  one  eve  as  shades  came  down 
They  reached  the  streets  of  London  town. 
On  London  Bridge  they  sat  in  rows. 
As  on  a  fence  some  watchful  crows. 
Commenting  on  the  structm'es  grand 
That  here  and  there  the  river  spanned, 
Or  spelling  out  the  vessels'  names 
That  floated  up  and  down  the  Thames. 

48 


THE   BEOWNIEH   IN   ENGLAND. 

Said  one,  who  j]jainecl  extended  view : 
"  It*  t\u)  ambitious  Romans  knew 
When  they  this  city  fomided  here 
Beside  the  river  broad  and  clear 


Tliat  it  would  still  keep  spreading  fast 

Till  largest  in  the  world  at  last, 

They  dou])tless  would  have  kept  the  yoke 

Much  longer  on  the  British  folk." 

Another  said :  "  We  little  know 

How  soon  a  town  will  stretch  and  grow 


6 


40 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  ENGLAND. 


7(jl»  world  eif**  «>)» 
tli»  finest  eljance 
Sonit  ftrsan*  eumfgrf 
To  Aoluaqcc, 


If  it  is  situated  right 
The  trade  of  nations  to  invite." 
So  rich  in  wonders  was  the  place 
.     They  hardly  knew  where  first  to  race. 
Some  wished  to  visit  Tyburn  Hill, 
Or  Smithfield,  that  gives  one  a  chill, 
As  through  the  mind  the  records  nin 
Of  cruel  work  that  there  was  done. 

More  wished  to  race  along  the  Strand, 

Or  by  the  Bank  of  England  stand 

And  ponder  there  about  the  gold 

And  silver  bullion  it  can  hold. 


i  ! 


The  Brownies  hunted  for  an  hour 
To  gain  a  view  of  London  Tower; 


so 


Ybull  call  to  mifid  the  day? 

toitlf)  pride  ' 
VVl^eij  you  proved  true,fljoujj!( 

sorely  tried  - 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  ENGLAND. 

At  length,  an  opyn  view  they  found, 
That  showed  i^^s  towers  square  and  round. 
Said  one :  "  The  Tombs,  on  Centre  Street, 

Seems  Hke  a  X'JB^     ijleasant  country-seat 

Compared  with  \%^^  )  that  old  frowning  pile 
That  oft  held  ^^^m/  kings  in  duranc  e  vile, 
And  sa^'^  the  blood  in  ton-entr,  iiow 

So  many  hundred  years  ago. 
Within  it  lies,  it'  tales  are  true, 
The  proof  of  what  hard  hearts  can  do — 
The  block,  the  chain,  the  prison  cage, 
And  tortures  of  a  vanished  age. 
'T  is  told  that  Julius  Caesar  laid 
Its  corner-stone  with  great  parade, 
And  in  its  dungeons,  dark  and  deep. 
Did  many  a  valiant  Briton  keep. 
Next,  William  I.,  the  Norman  brave, 
Its  massive,  snow-white  tower  gave; 

Then,  as  the  centuries  onward  rolled, 

And  kings  grew  more  self-willed  and  bold. 

Still  higher  towers  w^ere  made  to  grow 

And  deeper  dungeons  dug  below. 

Till  now  it  seems  fit  place  to  hide 

The  noble  blood  of  Europe  wide. 

Here  baron,  duke,  and  count  might  blink 

In  unison  with  fetter  clink, 

Like  many  a  one  who  here  was  cast 

On  small  pretense  in  ages  past." 

Anol'^er  said:  "An  outward  sight 

Will  not  content  the  band  to-night, 

51 


^S 


II 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  ENGLAND. 

So  to  the  gate  at  once  we  '11  race 
And  gain  an  entrance  to  the  place. 
And  through  each  hold  and  keep  we  '11  go, 
From  tiuTet  high  to  dnngeon  low, 
To  view  the  arms  and  fixtures  strange, 
Preserved  so  well  through  many  a  change. 
To  he  a  lesson  full  and  free 
For  generations  yet  to  he." 
Soon  through  the  place  the  Brownies  ran 
This  lance  to  view,  that  helmet  scan. 
Or  gaze  upon  an  ax  with  dread. 
That  lopped  off  many  a  royal  head; 

And  heavy-fashioned 

halberds  viewed 
That  paths  at  Agincourt 

had  hewed, 
Where  Henry,  on 

St.  Crispin's  day, 
In  face  of  odds 

showed  no  dismay. 
They  chmbed  inside 

of  armor  old 
And  peeped  out  where 

the  visage  bold 
Of  some  crusader 

oft  had  frowned 
Upon  his  turbaned 
foes  around. 
The  helmet  cleft,  the  corselet  bent. 
The  baldric  pierced,  and  symbol  rent 

52 


i 


THE  BROWNIES  IN   ENGLAND. 


•almtli  C,n 


"^ 


e* 


Showed  Honio  Sir  Knight  had  sure  enough 
In  Pukistini;  found  usage  rough. 
Tlioy  cluiined 

each  other 

to  the  wall, 
They  tried  the 

thumb-screws, 

racks,  and  all, 
Ho  they  might 

be  the  better 
schooled 
In  what  went  on  when  tyrants  ruled. 

They  crowded  some  into  a  hole 
Where  not  a  ray  of  daylight  stole 
To  cheer  the  heart  or  show  the  face 
Of  those  who  languished  in  the  place. 

Behind  the  shields 

that  turned  aside 
The  weapons  that 

the  Payiiim  pUed, 
They  ran  for 
refuge  when 
some  sound 
Would  spread  a  sudden 
fear  around. 
They  found  some  arms  and  for  a  while 
Marched  here  and  there  in  soldier  style, 
Some  caiTying  an  ancient  blade, 
And  some  the  latest  weapon  made. 

53 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  ENGLAND. 


Thus  hours  were  passed  within  the  walls, 

Still  visiting  the  cells  and  halls, 

And  corridors  and  stairways  strong 

That  called  to  mind  some  crime  or  wrong. 

Then  other  t         parts  of  town  they  sought 

That         ..iddlHHH^^  wakened  other 

trains  of 
thought. 


From  Ludgate  Hill  the  Brownies  flew 
When  old  St.  Paul's  appeared  in  view. 


54 


THE  BKOWNIES  IN  ENGLAND. 

Said  one :  "  It  looks  as  fine  as  when 
It  left  the  ('oni[)asHeH  of  Wren ; 
No  greater  monument  could  be 
Erected  to  his  memory." 
A})out  the  place  some  hours  they  stayed, 
Then  to  Westminster  Abbey  ])aid 
A  visit,  where  they  rambled  round, 
Vnd  soon  the  Poets'  Corner  found, 
To  moralize,  as  well  they  might, 
Before  the  busts  and  statues  white, 
That  were  by  skilful  hands  designed 
To  represent  some  master  mind. 


More  nights  than  one  they  slacked  their  gait 
In  fogs  that  wrapped  the  city  great. 
And  poked  about  until  distressed 
In  seeking  for  some  place  to  rest. 
Some  tri(»d  with  lanterns  to  pursue 
Their  way  to  points  they  ])etter  knew. 
While  others  sought  some  place  to  hide 
Until  the  pall  should  drift  aside. 
Said  one :  "  This  town  so  large  and  fine 
Would  be  a  favorite  spot  of  mine 

55 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  ENGLAND. 


n 


If  fogs  were  not  so  often  spread 
To  keep  one  moving  rofnd  in  dread. 
Last  night  for  hoiu's  I  groped  astray 
In  streets  where  best  I  know  my  way; 
'T  is  liard  to  go  when  brightest  hghi 
Is  in  a  fog  extinguished  (juite, 
From  (lot>r  to  door,  from  stone  to  stone, 
To  w'^rk  yoiu'  way  l)y  touch  alone. 

All  native  tact  for  nothing  went 
As  here  and  there  with  body  bent 
And  fingers  spread,  I  felt  about 
To  find  some  mark  to  help  me  out. 
I  tumbled  down  three  cellar-stairs, 
Then  into  holes  for  street  repau's; 


v^'^"'*^  /^"^'yCoj*. 


Ran  twice  against  a  watchman's  legs 
Who  lay  asleep  upon  some  kegs. 

50 


THE  BEOWNIES  IN  ENGLAND. 


And  next  a  watering-trough  I  found, 
And  falling  in  was  nearly  drowned. 
Through  many  trying  scenes  I  passed 
Ere  I  to  (lad's  Hill  crawled  at  last. 
'T  is  dangerous  work  for  us  to  stay 
Where  one  can't  tell  the  night  from  day; 
We  cannot  keep  om*  bearing  right, 
Know  when  to  hide,  or  come  in  sight. 

No  doubt,  on  this  historic  ground 

Ten  thousand  wonders  may  be  found 

To  interest  the  Brownie  mind 

With  moral  lessons  well  defined. 

Of  which  we  might  for  ages  speak. 

Nor  have  a  sulgect  trite  or  weak. 

But  let  us  now  some  plans  advance 

To  cross  the  Channel  into  France." 


Noblest  Isles  beqeatlj  tlje  sky 
We  must  leaue  aa  on  we  fly 


57 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  FRANCE. 


Sixth  Staue. 

evening  when  the  Brownies  met 
They  talked  and  planned  of  how  to  get 
A  sliip  or  boat  to  serve  their  need, 
So  o'er  to  France  they  might  proceed. 
Said  one,  at  length:  "My  comrades  brave, 
I  've  lieard  about  this  choppy  wave, 
Wliere  winds  and  tides  so  oft  contend 
And  to  the  rail  old  sailors  send 
Who  were  when  sailing  open  sea 
From  all  internal  troubles  free. 

Now,  we  '11  not  be  to  ships  confined 

That  may  at  least  upset  our  mind 

If  nothing  more,  while  we  can  go 

In  other  ways,  as  I  will  show. 

Last  night,  while  poking  round,  I  spied 

Not  half  a  mile  from  ocean  side. 

To  my  surprise,  a  strange  affair 

That  's  made  to  travel  through  the  air, 

Not  like  balloons  ascending  high. 

Which  as  the  wind  directs  them  fly, 

58 


THE  BROWNIES   IN   FRANCE. 


But  made  with  wings  and  tail  and  all 
To  steer  its  way  through  roughest  squall, 
With  straightest  course  throughout 

maintained, 
Until  a  certain  point  is  gained. 
I  doubt  if  the  inventor  knows 
Much  better  how  that  air-ship  goes 
Than  I,  who  all  its  points  to  find, 
Crawled  through  it  with  inquiring  mind. 
At  every  art  we  all  are  skilled: 
A  slight  affair  like  that  we  11  build, 
One  that  will  all  our  wants  supply. 
And  then  the  Brownie  band  may  fly 
HigD  over  all  the  creaking  fleet 
That  on  the  waves  disaster  meet." 


If  3/Du  Ijope  acrouir) 

You  must  tnHf  Hje 
early  trai)\. 


Before  a  week  had  passed,  at  most. 

They  left  behind  the  EngUsh  coast, 
Upon  an  air-ship  of  their  own 

By  clever  hands  together  thrown, 
From  such  odd  stuff  as  lay  about 
And  could  be  used  to  shape  it  out. 
Sometimes  between  the  clouds  and  sky 
They  passed  the  soaring  eagle  by; 
At  times  a  downward  sweeping  gale 
Would  get  control  of  wings  and  tail 
And  bear  them  down  with  fearful  force 
Until  the  water  checked  their  course, 
And  then,  half  buried  in  the  deep, 
The  straining  ship  would  onward  leap, 

50 


Urn 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  FBANCE. 


11' 


While  to  the  dangling  ropes 

that  hung 
Away  astern  some 

Brownies 


Afraid  of  seas  that  o'er  them  rolled, 
But  more  afraid  to  loose  their  hold. 


60 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  FRANCE. 


6 


Now  rising  with  a  sudden  start 

The  strange  affair  would  upward  dart, 

While  those  who  had  been  cheated  out 

Of  cabin-passage  still  were  stout 

And  could  their  gi'eat  endurance  show 

By  hanging  to  the  ropes  below. 

Now  some  advised  to  keep  her  high, 

And  others  siiid  to  let  her  fly 

Along  the  sea  through  waves  and  all, 

Thus  to  avoid  a  fearful  fall 

In  case  the  works  got  out  of  tune 

When  they  were  half-way  to  the  moon. 

They  found  the  new  machine  that  night 

Somewhat  erratic  in  its  flight. 

The  helm  at  times,  the  tmtli  to  tell, 
It  did  not  answer  extra  well; 
Some  teclmicahties,  no  doubt. 
The  Brownies  scarce  had  studied  out, 
And  so  the  ride  failed  to  impart 
The  joy  they  hoped  for  at  the  start. 
Said  one:  "I  'd  rather  lose  a  toe, 
Or  leg  in  fact,  if  it  must  go 
To  feed  the  fish  along  the  shore. 
Than  fall  five  thousand  feet  or  more." 
Another  shouted:  "Turn  her  round. 
And  steer  her  back  to  Enghsh  ground! 
For  one,  I  'd  rather  France  should  stay 
Untrodden  by  my  feet  for  aye. 
Than  there  in  such  a  fixture  get 
That  has  not  been  perfected  yet; 

9% 


I 


;il 


THE  BROWNIES  J   IN   FRANCE. 


^'^^£ ft  cure 


See  how  she  darts  and  dives  at  will, 

In  spite  of  all  your  boasted  skill. 

I  would  not  give  a  penny  '  twist ' 

For  all  your  lives  if  you  persist 

Against  the  storm  to  flap  and  soar 

Until  you  cross  this  (ihannel  o'er." 

But  some  were  there  whose  valiant  minds 

Were  not  as  fickle  as  the  winds, 

And  though,  instead  of  straight  across. 

They  zigzag  flew  with  painful  loss 

Of  time  and  travel,  still  the  bow 

Was  pointing  e'er  to  France  that  now 

Was  growing  more  apparent  fast 

And  promising:  success  at  last. 

As  wounded  birds  lose  every  grace, 

And  wildly  fluttei-  on  through  space. 

Their  only  hope  and  only  care 

To  keep  theiUK-^lves  a  while  in  air, 

Now  sinking,  rising,  straining  still 

To  reach  at  length  the  woody  hiU, 

Wliero  they  can  hide  away  from  sight 

And  ponder  on  their  wretched  phght, 

So  did  that  air-ship  dodge  ami  dive, 

With  all  on  board  right  well  alive 

62 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  FRANCE. 


To  every  danger  of  the  hour, 
Until  it  proved  it  had  the  power 
To  bear  them  safely  to  the  beach 
Which  they  were  glad  enough  to  reach. 

While  through  Parisian  streets  so  grand 
One  evening  moved  the  Brownie  band, 
Said  one:  "At  length  the  land  we  trace 
That  holds  a  brave  and  warhke  race. 
O'er  many  a  field,  if  history  's  true. 
Their  proud,  victorious  eagles  flew. 
When  led  by  some  commander  grim 
Who  valued  neither  life  nor  limb ; 
And  signs  you  see  on  every  side 
Still  show  that  spirit  has  not  died, 
But  slumbers  to  break  out  anew 
When  some  Napoleon  comes  in  view." 

Another  said:  "They  '11  wait  a  while 
Before  some  unpretentious  isle 
Gives  forth  another  who  '11  display 
Such  wondrous  powers  in  our  day." 
A  third  remarked:   "We  hope  they  will. 
Who  wants  another  bom,  to  kill 
And  devastate  the  countries  wide 
To  simply  gratify  his  pride!" 
Not  long  the  Brownies  rambled  round 
Before  Napoleon's  tomb  they  found. 
The  massive  crypt  that  holds  his  dust 
Drew  every  eye,  as  still  it  must 

63 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  FRANCE. 


:i 


When  stnin^ers  with  a  noiseless  tread 
In  awe  draw  near  the  niij^hty  dead. 
Some  who  respected  not  the  bones 
Of  one  who  caused  su(;h  shrieks  and  groans 
To  echo  round  tlie  world  for  years 
Climbed  on  the  tomb  with  jokes  and  jeers, 
And  it  took  more  than  one  sharp  cry 
To  bring  them  from  their  perch  on  high. 


Then  other  sights  they  gathered  round 
Which  in  that  city  may  be  found. 

64 


THE  BROWNIES  IN   FRANCE. 


Beneath  the 
Arch  of 
Triumph 
nigh 
The  Brownies 
ran  a  race 
to  try 
If  still  their 
speed  was 
holding 
out 
While  trav- 
eling thus 
the  world 
about, 


/'MntH  ^°* 


6» 


And  also  so  they  could  declare 

They  passed  beneath  that  gi'aiid  affah*, 

As  well  as  those  who  conquered  lands 

And  marched  beneath  in  shouting  bands. 

(rreat  space  would  ])e 

required  to  tell 

Each  place  their  pattering 

footsteps  fell, 

For  lively  feet  the 

Brownies  ply 

And  fast  can  travel 

when  they  try. 

They  stood  in  galleries  of  art 

With  staring  eyes, 

and  thankful  heart 
M 


ii 


THE   BROWNIES   IN   FRANCE. 

Tluit  they  had  found  ut  length  n  chance 
To  see  the  famous  works  of  France, 
The  aculptiu'es  and  the  paintings  grand 
That  told  of  many  u  master  hand. 
Tlie  Brownies  halted  one  and  all 
Before  the  graceful  column  tall 
That  towered  many  feet  in  air 
And  ornamented  well  its  siiuare; 

On  every  side  of  it  they  stood 

And  moralized,  as  well  they  could, 

About  the  shouting  populace 

That  had  nin  riot  round  its  base. 

Through  streets  they  went  smooth  as  a  floor,    I 

And  in  the  Seine  they  dipped  an  oar; 

Then  to  old  palaces  they  ran 

At  least  their  m^ 

outer  form 
to  scan, 


(!0 


MiA 


f 

I 


THE   BROWNIES   IN   FRANCE. 


I, 


'  o,x' 


Since  tiiuo  uUowed  no  closer  view 
And  they  their  journey  nni«t  pursue. 
The  walls  thut  were  so  high  and  stout, 
Designed  to  keep  the  rabhU^  out 

If  riot  raised  its  crimsoned  hand, 
Could  not  keep  out  the 

Brownie  hand. 
Thus  through  the  town 

they  worked  their  way 
To  view  the  scenes  that 

round  them  lay. 
Then  off  to  other  cities  sped, 
And  battle-fields,  where 

thousands  bled, 
To  Agincourt,  and  Crecy;  then 
A  visit  paid  to  old  Rouen, 
Where  on  the  pile  of  fagots  tied 
The  "Maid  of  Orleans" 
bravely  died. 
A  thousand  nights  they 

might  have  fcnind 
Good  cause  indeed     • 

to  ramble  round. 


But  other  countries  they  must  find 
And  leave  the  soil  of  France  behind. 


m  m  m'^m 


Tre  tl;e  stars  put  up  tl^ciV  screens 
Well  be  off  to  otl;er  sceries 


67 


THE   l^ROWNTKS   TN   SIXAIN. 


Seventh  Stacie. 


sunny  Spain  so  bright  and  gay 
Tlie  Brownies  made  a  lengthy  stay. 
The  gi'oves  were  fine,  the  sky  was  clear, 
The  air  was  mild,  the  buildings  queer, 
And  every  nigl  c  some  wonder  new 
Or  novel  freak  attention  drew. 
One  night,  while  near  a  city  old 
Where  Guadakiuivir's  waters  rolled, 
One  with  descriptive  powers  blessed 
Soon  interested  all  the  rest. 
Said  he :  "  Last  night  I  found  a  cluuK^e 
To  see  these  lively  Spaniards  dance; 
Not  moving  through  a  figure  slow, 
But  bouncing  wildly,  heel  and  toe; 
Now  waving  arms  above  their  head, 
Now  like  a  saw-horse  strangely  spread ; 
Now  with  one  foot  uplifted  there 
Describing  circles  in  the  air; 
Now  freely  tossing  limbs  around. 
Now  with  their  noses  near  the  ground, 

68 


THE   BROWNIES   IN   .SPAIN. 

The  room  from  side  to  side  they  crossed, 
As  if  in  search  of  something  lost. 
The  Indian's  hop, 

the  Scotchman's  reel. 
The  Frenchman's 

r*^r«jM!i  or  German's 

wheel 


Should  not  be  mentioned  the  same  day 
With  Spanish  dancers  light  and  gay." 


Gi) 


i 


I 


THE  BROWNIES   IN   SPAIN. 


1^ 


.*  I  '■ 


ii 


Concfol  your  frouns  yitl) 

4r*a*'.*t  "are 
Qut  Itt  your  smiln  be  f rrr 
aa  air, 


Another  said:  "If  tlitit  's  the  case, 

We  must  at  once  secure  a  place 

Where  every  turn  and  action  free 

That  you  liad  iU'^-h  good  luck  to  see, 

From  trip})nig  toe  to  tossing  hand. 

May  be  indulged  in  by  the  band." 

A  third  remarked :  "■  The  dance  I  knew 

Before  you  ever  rations  drew ; 

I  've  passed  the  hours  from  dark  to  dawn 

In  light  fandangoes  on  the  lawn, 

And  I  have  not  yet  lost  the  art 

Of  giving  life  to  every  part. 

So  in  the  dance  you  now  propose 

I  '11  show  my  comrades  1k)W  it  goes.' 

]L  does  n't  take  a  Imgtliy  s])ac(' 

Of  time  for  them  t<;  find  a  place; 

Could  human  folk  their  wants  .su})ply 

As  readily  as  Brownies  spry, 

Ah !  many  a  one  without  a  roof, 

Or  garment  that  is  weather-proof, 

Would  soon  be  free  from  want  or  cold, 

And  all   life's  comforts  snugly  hold. 
But  readers,  all  must  understand 
Connuissions  in  the  Brownie  band 
Are  not  for  sale,  no  gaps  exist, 
Tbe  ranks  are  Full,  complete  the  list. 
So  none  need  hope,  as  Brownies  bold 
With  mystic  powers,  to  be  enrolled. 
Before  on  >  half  the  night  1  ad  flown 
Tl'e  Brownies  had  familiar  grown 

70 


. 


THE  BROWNIES   IN   SPAIN. 


Witli  ovory  capci-,  toss,  and  tiin<^ 
That  Spaniards  in  the  dance  can  brin^. 
And  well  the  lively  people  know 
The  way  t(>  trip  the  nimble  toe. 

From  (^adiz  to  the 

(lallic!  line 
One  coidd  not  see 
such  actiors  fine, 


Such  waving?  liands, 
such  supple  knees, 

Such  wlnrlin^  round 
with  gi'aceful  ease, 


One  ni^ht,  while  they  were 

passing;  down 
Th(^  outskii-ts  of  a  U'adiufif 

town, 
With  eyes  that  ever  turned 

and  rolled 
Some  novel  wouder  to  behold. 


As  Brownies  oti 
tiiat  tiooi   revealed 

Ere  they  were 
t'or(!ed  to  take 

the  field. 


THE  BROWNIES   IN   SPAIN. 


I 


They  found  a  strange  inclosure  wide 

With  seats  arrayed  on  every  side, 

Where  thousands  could  a  view  obtain 

Of  object.!  1  on  the  inner  i)lain. 

Said  one :  "In  tliis  same  place,  I  ween, 

The  matadors  with  weapons  keen 

And  scarlet  cloak,  to  plague  or  blind 

The  monarch  of  the  cattle  kind. 

Engage  in  that  old  cruel  game 

That  has  been  long  tlie  nation's  shame." 


i|:i 


Another  said :  "  Your  head  is  clear; 
The  animals  indi'ed  are  here. 
In  stalls  or  pens  they  rest  to-night 
In  waiting  for  to-morrow's  tight. 
We  '11  take  a  peep  and  in  this  case 
See  what  the  Spaniai-ds  have  to  face." 


The  chatting  of  the  band  enraged 
The  creatures  that  were  closely  caged; 
They  ])ellowed  loudly,  spurned  the  ground, 
And  in  a  frenzy  rushed  around. 
And  tinally  l)roke  thi-ough  the  wall 
Or  fence  that  had  inclosed  them  all, 
And,  charging  madly,  thought  to  gore 
A  do7.(!n  of  the  band  or  more. 
Now  with  good  reason  pale  with  flight. 
The  Brownies  scampered  left  and  right. 
And  climbed  up  posts  and  trees  in  haste 
To  be  in  safer  quarters  placed; 


THE   BROWNIES  IN   SPAIN. 


'^i-^'^S. 


:x'K  :  \  Iff 

•-'.■;.>*•' ♦"V 
Tlieii'  niuibleuess 

and  mystic  powor 
Botlj  stood  them  well  in  hand  that  hour 
But  still  a  few,  in  spite  of  all, 
Were  tossed  across  a  iK'ij-fihorinj;  wall, 
Ali^htini?  on  some  garden  trees 
That  l(»t  them  down  to  earth  with  ease. 
Said  one :  ''  If  that  's  the  khid  of  game 
The  matadors  have  got  to  tame, 


M: 


THE   BROWNIES 

Wlu'ii  out 

tliey  go, 
They  're 

welcome 

to  their 


We  'd  best  tntike  haste 

and  leave  the  pen, 

1  '11  hardly  be  myself  again 
For  half  a  year,  1  well  believe, 
Though  best  of  doctoring  I  receive." 
Anothei'  answered  from  a  vine 
That  grew  ab<>V(^  the  dangei'  line, 
"  If  this  is  sport,  I  'd  like  to  know 
Just  when  one  ought  the  smile  to  show. 
I  would  n't  stay  in  such  a  town 


As  tliii^  is  for 
I  '11  seek,  if  I 
Land  where 


the  Spanish  crown! 

nnist  go  alone, 

such  pastimes  are  unknown." 


Off  mutt  j(t>1fif  iirewnifs  bufd 


74 


THE   BROWNIES 


IN  ITALY. 


Eighth  Stage. 


Italy  the  BrowTiies 

knew 
But  little  rest  the 

season  through, 
So  many  places  they 

could  find 
To  visit  and  improve 

the  mind. 
The  master  works  of 

former  days 
And  great  cathedrals 
..^^     drew  tlieir 

gaze. 
Through  galleries 

of  art  they 
strolled 
'Mid  statues  large 

and  j»aintings 
old, 


75 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  ITALY. 


\i 


I 


Such  as  the  world 

to  present  date 

Has  tried  in  vain 

to  imitate. 

They  clambered  over 

Peter's  dome, 

And  seemed  to  feel 

as  much  at  home 

Upon  the  highest  point  they  found 

As  if  they  sported  on  the  ground, 

Though  now  and  then  some  trouble  rose 
From  rash  attempts  or  slipping  toes. 
At  times  a  Brownie  lost  his  hold 
And  half-way  down  the  dome  he  rolled 
Until  an  ornament  would  check 
His  fall  in  time  to  save  his  neck. 

The  better  to  observe  the  style 

And  finish  of  the  wondrous  pile 

They  hung  by  lengthy  ropes  to  see 

Each  cap  and  frieze  and  metope, 

And  learn  how  they  withstood  the  wear 

Of  centuries,  so  high  in  air. 

An  amphitheater  at  last 

The  Brownies  found  'mid  laiins  vast. 

Said  one:  "A  gladiator  show 

Such  as  the  people  used  to  know 

On  festal  days  throughout  the  year 

No  longer  may  be  witnessed  here. 

Tlie  well-woni  coiu'se  one  may  behold 

Wh<'re  (mce  flie  braz<'n  chariots  rolled, 
76 


(f 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  ITALY. 


Amid  the  clouds  of  dust  that  rose 
To  tickle  many  a  Roman  nose; 
The  heartless  crowds  have  had  their  day, 
And  time  has  swept  them  all  away, 
With  all  the  shields  and  nets  and  spears 
Their  cruel  sports  and  fiendish  cheers." 
Another  said:  "While  passing  by 
A  window  in  a  building  nigh, 
I  glanced  around,  and  what  think  you 
The  first  of  all  attention  drew'^ 
A  foot-))all  such  as  students  send 
When  they  in  college  games  contend. 
That  ball  in  half  a  snap  you  '11  sec 
Or  I  'm  not  what  I  used  to  be. 
And  on  this  spot  where  martyi's  gave 
Themselves  to  beasts  their  faith  to  save, 
Wliere  tiger's  howl  and  lion's  roar 
Could  not  affright  the  hearts  they  bore, 
We  '11  have  at  once  a  friendly  game 
That  will  all  Romans'  efforts  shame. 

77 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  ITALY. 

Although  no  CeBsar  ^11  look  down 
Upon  the  scene  with  smile  or  frown, 
No  ready  thumbs  a  signal  throw 
To  spare  or  speed  the  final  blow, 
Far  greater  crowds  om*  actions  trace 
Than  all  the  Roman  populace, 
And  loving  millions  far  and  near 
May  yet  applaud  our  doings  here." 


Another  said:  "My  sportive  friend, 
Our  time  to  this  we  cannot  lend, 
Too  many  objects  are  at  hand 
That  claim  attention  from  the  band. 
To  other  scenes  we  must  away. 
Nor  Unger  here  your  game  to  play." 


When  safe  in  Venice,  quaint  and  old. 
At  length  arrived  the  Brownies  bold. 
Said  one:  "Tliis  is  the  strangest  yet 
Of  all  the  cities  we  have  met — 
Where  streets  are  not  dug  up  each  day 
Some  other  kind  of  pipes  to  lay, 
Where  no  one  sees  a  paving-stone, 
And  caiTiage-makers  are  unknown, 
WhiU;  all  the  horses  here  in  sight 
Are  chiseled  out  of  marble  white." 
A  second  said:  "It  calls  to  mind 
The  stories  one  in  books  may  find. 
'T  was  here  Othello  did  regale 
The  Duke  with  plain  unvarnished  tale; 


7H 


fii«ry  monih  hrin ja 


THE  BROWNIES  IN   ITALY. 

Told  how  he  won  his  lovely  bride, 
Nor  used  a  charm  nor  aught  beside 
Save  tales  of  sieges,  long  campaigns. 
Of  shipwrecks,  and  of  slaver's  chains. 
Here  Shylock  clamored  for  his  bond, 
But  law  so  sharply  did  respond 
It  almost  turned  the  plaintifTs  brain 
By  bringing  loss  in  place  of  gain; 

And  here  the  Doge  to  plotting  fell. 
And  waited  for  the  signal  bell 
That  was  to  call  the  fated  men 
And  butchers  to  the  slaughter-pen; 
But  those  among  whose  tombs  he  thought 
To  stand  alone,  his  secret  caught. 
And  promptly  ruled  the  roost  instead 
By  taking  off  the  plotter's  head." 


"This  town," 
"  That  seems  to 
Has  many  boats 
Take  pleasant 
So  pictm*esque 
They  seem  well 
For  some  can 
And  some  on 
While  others 
For  fear  whiles 


another  soon  replied, 
float  upon  the  tide 
wherein  we  may 
rides  till  break  of  day, 
they  look,  and  grand, 
suited  for  the  band, 
hide  away  below, 
top  can  make  them  go, 
keep  a  keen  lookout 
sailing  hereabout. 


Through  lack  of  skill  or  want  of  room, 
"We  strike  a  palace  or  a  tomb — 
And  little  else  appears  to  be 
Projected  here  above  the  sea." 

79 


THE   BROWNIES   IN   ITALY. 

Ere  long,  in  houts  of  qucor  design, 
With  curving  l)o\vs  and  trinnning  fine, 
Tlio  Hrownics  jninpiMl,  to  sail  around 
Through  water-streets  that  tliere  al)ound. 
Beneath  the  Bridge  of  Sighs  they  passed, 
And  wondering  looks  upon  it  cast. 


Sai<l 


(mv:  "They  huilt  it  to  sustain 


No  douht  a  rapid-transit   train. 
That  pi'isoners  niiglit  Ix^  hurried  well 
From  palace  court  to  prison  cell." 
Another  said:  '"T  will  not  coni])are 
Witii  Brooklyn's  Bridge  so  liigli  in  air, 
Whicli,  though  perhaps  no  Bridge  of  Sighs, 
Foj"  rushing  crowds  can  take  the  prize." 
Said  one:  ''We  'II  pause  awhih^  to  see 
The  place  where  prisoners  used  to  hv 
Confined,  perhaps,  from  boyhood's  priuK^ 
Until  tiieir  lu^ads  w<'re  ]»o\ved  with  time, 
Then  after  all  these  years  of  dread 
Were  forth  to  stake  or  s«'atfold  led." 
They  saw  tlio  chains  ))y  prisoners  borne. 
They  saw  th<'  })aths  tiieir  feet  had  woi'u 
In  solid  stone  whiles  pacing  round 
Away  from  every  sight  and  sound. 
As  stately  shi])s  in  harhors  wide. 
Or  o])en  sea,  ofttimes  collid<', 
Witii  ca])taiiis  in  tlu'  ser\ice  gray. 
And  all  the  steering  gear  in  piny, 
ft  may  not  seem  heyond  belief 
That  Brownies  sometimes  come  to  grief. 

80 


THR    HROWNIEH   IN   TIAT.Y. 


Once  while  they  i-uzed  at  wonders  there 
Tlioy  failed  to  tjike  the  needed  care, 
For  as  beneath  an  arch  they  van 
They  missed  the  center  of  the  span, 
And  tnmble  then  at  once  began. 
The  lengthy  bow  slid  np  the  stone 
To  find  a  passage  of  its  own, 

81 


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Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


23  WiST  MAIN  STRKT 

WEBSTER,  4.Y.  14580 

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THE   BROWNIES   IN  ITALY. 


'    If 


l|i 


it 


And  stern  ward  in  a  struggling  pile 
The  frightened  BrowTiies  fell  the  while. 
Still  higher  did  the  boat  ascend 
Until  it  nearly  stood  on  end, 
And  there  was  nothing  else  to  do 
But  to  the  bottom  take  the  crew, 
And  leave  them  in  a  fearful  mess, 
And  Venice  one  gondola  less. 
'T  is  somewhat  hard  for  one  to  say 
How  deep  those  silent  waters  lay. 
But  judging  by  the  time  that  passed 
Between  the  fall  and  rise  at  last. 

The  puffing  Brownies 
could  not  dive 

Much  deeper  and 
come  up  alive. 


,  mi 

■i..W,l.,i'  III,: 


From  Venice  then  they  hastened  all. 
On  old  Pompeii  made  a  call. 


THE  BROWNIES   IN   ITALY. 


There  climbed  upon  the  ruins  great, 
And  moralized  upon  its  fate. 
Said  one :  "  Upon  these  doorsteps  old 
The  tale  of  love  was  often  told, 
Here  children  clustered  on  the  walk. 
And  round  these  corners  where  we  talk 
Played  hide-and-seek  and  blindman's-buff, 
And  scampered  o'er  this  pavement  rough 
To  dodge  the  horse's  iron  heels 
Or  heavy,  rumbling  chariot-wheels. 
The  story  of  the  town  you  know — 
How  sudden  fell  that  night  of  woe; 
These  streets,  that  often  rang  with  cheers, 
Were  hid  for  sixteen  hundred  years 
Beneath  the  overwhehning  load 
That  old  Vesuvius  bestowed. 
But  let  us  leave  the  lonely  place, 
And  off  to  other  countries  race. 
Forgetting  not  that  we  must  haste 
Around  the  w^orld,  nor  moments  waste." 


Howew**"  fair  may  betljc  lancl. 
Still  on  mustgoflj^eBrowniebancL 


83 


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TFIE 
BK(3WNIKS   IN  TUBKE^ 


Ninth  Stage. 

ii  Turkey  tliere  was  much  to  view 
That  to  the  Bro^Tiie  hand 

was  now. 
The  huihlings  strange  and  towers 

high 
At  once  attracted  eveiy  eye. 
On  every  spire  of  wood  or  stone, 
Or  arching  gate,  the  crescent  shone; 
Bo  not  one  moment  coidd  the  hand 
Forget  tliey  trod  the  Sidtan's  hind. 
The  highest  mosque  and  nnnaret 
The  Browines  chmbed  in  hopes 

to  j^t 
A  hird's-eye  view  of  gardens  fair, 
And  pahices  that  ghttered  there. 
And  ships  that  drifted  to  and  fro 
Or  lay  at  anchor  far  bek.)w. 
Said  one:   "To  chml)  tliis  fthgree 
Is  harder  than  to  chml)  a  tree; 


84 


THE  BROWNIES   IN   TURKEY. 


* 


If  we  were  not  an  active  batch 
In  such  as  these  we  'd  find  our  match. 
But  steps  or  stau'S  we  don't  re(ivdre 
To  help  us  up  the  tallest  spire.-' 
Another  said:  "No  person  oin, 
Be  he  a  Greek  or  Mussulman, 
Erect  a  steeple  round  or  square 
(^r  octagon  so  high  in  air 
Above  his  meeting-house  or  shop 
That  Brownies  cannot  reach  the  top." 


Then  St.  Sophia's  mosque  so  grand 
Was  much  admired  by  all  the  band. 

They  sauntered  round  and  round  the  place, 
Then  measiued  it  with  even  pace. 

And  found  the  statements  of  its  size 
And  beauty  were  not  spiced  with  hes. 
They  walked  around 

in  gardens  fair, 
Enjoying  perfimie-laden  air. 
And  on  the  very 

Sultan's  lawn 
They  played  at  games 

till  early  dawn; 


/''U'teirCoit 


85 


% 


ill 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  TURKEY. 

In  secret  places  skirmished 

round 
Where  strangers  no  admittance 

found 
And  all  the  household, 

by  decree, 
Were  safely  under  ,<%. 


They  chatted  freely 

of  the  way 
Some  people  live 
at  this  late 
day, 
In  spite  of  all  that  has  been 

done 
To  work  reforms  beneath 
the  sun. 

86 


"Mi 


\ 


THE  BEOWNIES  IN   TUEKEY. 


Some  lounged  on  rich 
divans  awhile, 
More  sat  in  Oriental 

style 
On  ottomans  in  quiet 

nooks, 
And  tried  the  hookas 
and  chibouks; 
Some  filled  the  bowl, 

while  others  drew 
Upon  the  pipe,  and  puffed  and  blew. 
Each  BroMTiie  striving  to  excel 
At  making  wreaths  that  lasted  well. 
Until  the  smoke  hung  like  a  cloud 
Above  the  heads  of  all  the  crowd 
And  through  the  open  windows  there 
Rolled  out  to  scent  the  midnight  air. 


This  pleased  awhile,  but  in  the  end 
They  felt  they  could  not  recommend 
The  Eastern  custom  to  a  friend. 
One  night  the  vahant  Brownies  tried 
To  swim  the  Hellespont  so  wide  — 

87 


li 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  TUEKEY. 


If  '1 


1 


•     T  T  1 


ft    «  ••  i( 


''-'""■T  ft 


To  imitate  the  daring  feat 

Of  young  Leaiider,  when  to  meet 

His  lady-love  in  secret  bower 

He  braved  the  tide  p'  evening  hour. 

Not  one  of  all  the  active  band 
But  in  that  effort  left  the  strand. 
Though  oft  the  band  great  streams  had 

crossed, 
And  here  and  there  were  roughly  tossed, 
They  soon  perceived,  from  last  to  first, 
This  was  th<^  wildest  and  the  worst. 
Some  grew  alarmed,  ere  half-way  out, 
And  with  pale  faces  turned  about, 

88 


71 


(> 


\> 


THE  BROWNIES  IN   TURKEY. 

And  but  for  stronger  friends  at  hand 

That  helped  them  safely  to  tlie  land, 

The  interesting,  blight  career 

Of  half  a  score  had  ended  here. 

While  otlK^rs,  showing  better  skill. 

Contended  with  the  current  still. 

And  neither  fear  nor  failing  knew. 

But  gained  the  point  they  had  in  view. 

Though  much  they  may  have  needed  rest 

Where  skill  and  strength  had  such  a  test, 
They  could  not  stop,  or  waters  wide 
At  morning  would  the  band  divide, 
And  weeks  might  pass  around  before 
They  'd  have  a  chance  to  meet  once  more. 
So  plunging  in  without  delay 
To  anxious  friends  they  worked  their  way, 
Where  arms  were  ready  to  enfold 
With  fond  embrace  the  sv/immers  bcjld. 


Front  tl]is  land, 
(joueuec  bright. 
Well  depart  ere 
^  mortjiri^  light. 


\ 


89 


I 


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ij  I 


ih'l 


THE   BROWNIES 

IN  ECIYPT. 

Tenth  Stage. 

Egypt  next  the  wonders  new 
On  every  side  attention  drew. 
Upon  the  Sphinx,  the  chief  of  all 
The  w  'nders  there,  they  made  a  call, 
And  on  tlu         ^mn 
head  the> 
found 
A  chanc(^  to  dance 


a  merry 
round. 
The  great 
canal  that 
reaches 
wide 
Across  the 
country 
soon  they  '"^  '^ 
spied, 

90 


I 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  EGYPT. 


And  from  a  root'  or  neighboring  lioigli^ 
Looked  on  tlui  seem;  for  half  tlie  nigiJt 
And  praised  tlie  enterjn'ist^  of  man       ' 
Who  sncli  a  wondi'ous  sclieme  couhl  p'an. 
Said  one  :  "  Art  came  with  pick  and  spade, 
And  tliiis  a  gap  in  nature  made. 
How  many  years  and  ages  passed 
Ere  man  devised  a  work  so  vast! 

Htill  commerce  sighed         'r^^^^^,. 
from  day  to  (Uiy 

For  some  mucli  needed 
waterway, 

Till  M.  do  Lesseps  planned  a  scheme 

And  brought  the  artificial  stream 

Whereon  great  ships  can  ]n'(m(lly  ride 

As  when  they  plow  the  ocean  tide, 

Soon  bearing  home 
their  precious  load 

In  safety  by 


■/■ 


the 

shortest 

road." 


%* 


It 


1 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  EGYPT. 

Moro  had  their  say,  and  praises  hiid 

On  those  who  planned  and   those  who  paid, 

Until  't  was  time  to  tiu-n  and  seek 

For  something  else  of  which  to  speak. 

On  pyramids  of  slii)pery  stones, 

That  kinirs  had  huilt  to  hold  their  bones 


Till  they  would  need 
The  active  Brownies 
Up  step  hy  step. 
They  stiiiggled  nim- 
Higli  on  the  peak 
Enjoying  free  and 
Commenting  on  the 
They  gained  while 
The  daring  hand, 
With  wonders  that 
Found  courage  to 
The  dark  interior 
With  torches  to 
They  gi-opt'd  their 
SometiuK^s  thev 


their  frame  once  more, 

clambered  o'er ; 

without  a  stop, 

bly  to  the  top. 

for  hoiu'S  the  J  sat, 

friendly  chat, 

prospect  fau" 

perched  so  high  in  air. 

not  satisfied 

appeared  outside, 

pass  through  a  door, 

to  explore. 

dispel  the  gloom 

way  from  room  to  room ; 

tumbled  in  a  cell. 


Sometimes  across  a  nmmmy  fell, 
And  by  the  mishap  broke  the  crust 
And  scattered  wide  the  sacred  dust. 
A  hundred  feet  beneath  the  gi'ound 
The  royal  sepulchers  were  found. 
Where  safe  beneath  a  massive  lid 
The  monarchs  lay  for  centuries  hid. 
Not  troubled  by  the  overflow 
Of  mighty  rivers  stretched  below. 


A 

^fc^ 

l^r\^ 

pvioy 

m'— —-^ 

Abs^L^ 

s 

av9^^ 

j 

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02 


i; 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  EOYPT. 


Nor  wori'itid  by  the  warlike  horde 

That  from  some  neighboring  conntiy  poured 

Around  the  ston*^  sarcophagus 

Of  some  old  king  who  had  a  muss, 

No  doubt,  with  prophets  in  his  day. 

At  hide-und-seek  they  stopped  to  play. 

Said  (me,  as  he  with  thoughtful  mien 

Looked  round  upon  the  soml)er  scene : 

"No  better  place  could  Brownies  find 

To  hide  away  from  humankind. 

If  we  had  time  to  study  out 

The  statements  chiseled  all  about, 

You  'd  find  each  casket  is  supplied 

With  tales  about  the  one  inside. 

Perhaps  he  stocxl  with  shading  hand 

To  watch  his  legions  leave  the  land. 

And  shouted  to  them  in  his  wrrath 

To  follow  in  the  Hebrew^s'  path. 

But  waves  that  had  been  long  controlled 

By  mighty  power  now  inward  rolled; 

With  foaming  crests  they  barred  the  way 

Like  lions  leaping  on  their  prey, 

93 


THE   BROWNIES  IN   EGYPT. 

And  giving  in  one  generous  dish 
All  Egypt's  army  to  the  fish. 
The  dust  of  kings  alone  is  here, 
From  them  we  nothing  have  to  fear,      Ijliilllll 
Then-  days  or  tyranny  are  past,  _r.ini^.\i 

Time  snatched  them  from  their  thrones  at  last; 
No  more  they  '11  range  from  place  to  place 
And  subjugate  a  better  race ; 
No  more  impose  a  double  task 
When  slaves  or  bondsmen  mercy  ask; 
Say  who  shall  live  or  wiio  shall  die, 
Or  who  the'.r  treasury  supj^ly. 
'T  is  well  such  creatures  reach  an  end, 
And  these  old  rogues,  I  apprehend. 
If  I  their  picture-language  know, 
Had  theirs  four  thousand  years  ago." 


^r 


Upon  an  island  in  tlie  Nile 
Tlie  Brownies  tarried  for  a  while. 
Among  the  ruins  scattered  round 
A  temple's  colonnade  they  found. 
And  in  hieroglyphics  S])read 
The  fate  of  poor  Osiris  read, 

04 


u    i 


THE   BKOWNIES   IN   EGiTT. 


His  bii'tli,  ]iis  love, 
and  prowess  stout 
In  broken 

chapters  they 
made  out. 
An  interesting? 

tale  indeed 
It  proved 
to  tliose  who 
cared  to  read. 
There,  studying 
the 
granite 

They 
learned 
just 
how  he 
passed 


\|(«»«''  > 


And  how  he  was  embahnetl  with  care 
By  the  kind  goddess  Isis  fair. 


away, 


: .  ^*ilLlJ^^'..  ...'fc' .  _., 


96 


i  n 


,!ni 


'^^^a->* 


Lr^' 


THE 

BROWNIES 

IN  ARABIA. 


Eleventh  Stage. 

night,  while  straying 

by  the  Nile, 
The  Brownies  caught 

a  crocodile, 
And  through  some 

mystic  sleight,  I  wot. 
They  channed  the 

reptile  on  the  spot, 
Until  it  played  upon 

the  sand. 
Affording  pleasure  to 

the  band. 
Then  up  and  down 

the  bank  it  moved, 
.While  half  the  band 

the  chance  improved, 


90 


THE   BEOWNIES   IN  ARABIA. 


All  atiiviiig  for  a  place  to  ride 
Upon  the  creature's  scaly  hide. 
They  drove  it  there,  they  drove  it  here, 
Without  tlie  slightest  thought  of  fear. 


THE  BKOWNIES   IN   ARABIA. 


M 


■:  '    I 


It  must  have  fared  exceeding  well, 
Before  into  their  power  it  fell, 
And  have  devoured  enough  to  last 
It  for  a  week  without  a  fast. 
Because  it  let  them  sport  about 
In  easy  reach  of  tail  or  snout, 

And  did  no  inward  craving  feel 
To  take  some  Brownies  for  a  meal. 
At  length,  while  on  the  bank  it  lay. 
With  all  the  Brownies  in  full  play, 
It  seemed  at  once  to  break  the  spell 
That  up  till  then  had  held  it  well. 
And  be  itself,  with  powers  to  rest, 
Or  go  ahead,  as  pleased  it  best. 
Without  their  leave  it  turned  its  head. 
And  started  for  the  river's  bed. 
Soon  down  the  steep  incline  it  dashed, 
And  in  the  sluggish  water  splashed. 
The  Brownies  had  to  jump  the  while, 
Or  find  the  bottom  of  the  Nile. 
Said  one  :   "A  bath  befits  the  race 
When  one  can  choose  the  time  and  place; 
But  I  would  rather  rim  a  year 
Unwashed  than  take  my  swimming  here. 
With  such  companions  as  we  'd  find 
Beneath,  of  every  shape  and  kind." 
Another  said :  "  We  '11  turn  aside 
And  through  Arabian  deserts  wide 
Pursue  our  way,  until  we  all 
Can  see  the  bird  that  stands  so  tab. 


9S 


THE   BROWNIES   IN   ARABIA. 


Q0 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  ARABIA. 


And  yields  the  plumes  so  rich  and  rare 
And  highly  jmzed  by  ladies  fan*." 
So  off  they  ran  across  the  plain 
With  nimble  feet,  and  not  in  vain. 
An  ostrich,  that  by  chance  had  strayed 
Across  their  path,  was  prisoner  made. 

They  chased  it  for  an  hour  or  so. 
For  he  could  run,  as  people  know 
Who  have  pursued  the  bird  for  gain 
For  leagues  across  a  wide  domain. 
Sometimes  he  kept  far  in  the  van. 
At  times  around  liis  heels  they  ran. 
Half  blinded  by  the  sand  that  rose 
At  eveiy  movement  of  liis  toes. 
Again,  some  daring  Brownies  tried 
Upon  its  legs  to  hang  and  ride. 
Then  some  along  the  ground  were  rolled, 
But  others,  clinging,  kept  their  hold. 
Until,  thus  handicapped,  at  last 
He  tumbled,  and  tliey  liad  him  fast. 


f{(uinrc(  ofi'timM  >'•  *tou) 

To  those  u>hp  earixcci  it  btat 
ot  all. 


Said  one:  ''Sometimes  a  savage  beast 
Will  pluck  an  ostrich  for  his  feast, 
And  then  these  feathers,  long  and  grand. 
Are  scattered  freely  on  the  sand; 
But  whosoever  gives  him  chase 
Must  earn  his  breakfast  by  the  race, 
And  has  an  appetite,  no  doubt. 
Before  the  banquet  is  laid  out, 

100 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  ARABIA. 


For  this  is  something  famed  for  speed, 

A  match  for  the  Arabian  steed, 

When  both  a  lively  interest  feel, 

One  spurred  by  fear,  and  one  by  steel." 

Now,  while  some  held  it  on  the  ground, 

The  other  Brownies  gathered  round 

And  took  such  plumes  as  pleased  them  best 

To  cany  as  a  handsome  crest. 

Said  one :  "  Those  folks  can  hardly  thrive 

Who  pluck  their  poultry  while  alive, 


'i^'. 


THE  BROWNIES  IN   ARABIA. 


( 


And  we  may  this  exploit 

regret 
Before  the  morrow's  sun 

has  set. 
For  many  a  one, 

old  dames  have  said, 
Has  tossed  through  night 

a  restless  head, 
The  only  sleepless  one 

in  town, 
Because  on  pillows  made 

of  down. 
That  cruel  fingers  had 

plucked  loose 
To  music  of  the  squawking 

goose." 
Another  said :  "  The  fact 

is  clear; 
There  is  a  tinge  of  mischief 

here, 

102 


THE   BROWNIES   IN   ARABIA. 

But  where  snch  wondrous  tufts  exist     > 
A  few  small  feathers  won't  be  missed. 
'T  is  lucky  for  the  bird  that  we 
Are  satisfied  with  two  or  three; 
For  if  it  fell  in  human  hands, 
He  'd  soon  go  naked  o'er  the  sands; 
Or,  if  a  beast  such  chance  could  find. 
He  'd  hardly  leave  tlie  bones  behind." 

A  novel  spectacle  they  made 
When  thus  in  nodding  plumes  arrayed; 
A  foreign  prince  might  well  be  proud 
To  be  the  poorest  in  the  crowd. 
And  have  his  head  appear  so  fair 
With  plumes  that  waved  so  high  in  air. 


8'»j  Drassy  fields  or  platr)s  of  sarid 
aoa-»)ature  rules  flje  Srounie  band- 


108 


' 


THE   BROWNIES  IN 


GERMANY 


11 


'    ! 


Twelfth  Stage. 

German  Empire,  finii  and  strong, 
The  Brownies  visited  ere  long; 
Its  lovely  rivers  to  behold. 
And  ramble  through  the  castles  old 
That  crumbling  into  ruins  stand 
On  every  peak  or  point  of  land. 
To  highest  towers  they  tried  to  go 
To  view  the  country  stretched  below, 
And  as  they  climbed  awaked  the  fears 
Of  owls  and  bats  that  there  for  years 
In  gloomy  halls  had  moped  and  drowsed 
Where  dukes  and  barons  once  caroused. 
And  while  the  massive  walls  they  scanned, 
For  prison  and  for  palace  planned. 
They  moralized  on  what  they  saw, 
On  ancient  force  and  modem  law. 
Said  one :     "In  days  gone  by,  no  doubt. 
Through  these  old  gates  oft  sallied  out' 

104 


THE   BROWNIES  IN   GERMANY. 


A  plundering  band,  prepared  to  stock 
Its  larder  from  its  neighbor's  Hock. 
Then  right  had  httle  chance  at  all 
Unless  it  owned  the  strongest  wall, 
And  justice  did  the  prize  bestow 
On  him  who  gave  tlie  hardest  blow." 
So  thus  the  Brownies  chatted  still 
While  rambling  through  the  place  at  will, 
Enjoying  sights  on  every  side 
So  connnon  hi  that  country  wide. 


yAL^t.1    L 


-l;..»,,^,j_y«.  ^^/'i. 


They  paused  at  Bingen  on  the  Rhine, 
Where  fields  were  covered  with  the  vine; 
Where,  bending  round  the  Niederwald, 
The  river  to  the  ocean  crawled, 
And  ancient  castles,  towering  high 
Along  the  banks,  charmed  every  eye. 

105 


THE   BROWNIEH   IN   (GERMANY. 

Some  Htood  reciting  lino  l>y  liiu' 

The  poem  so  world-renowned  und  tine 

About  the  .soldier  in  Algiers, 

Till  half  the  band  was  moved  to  tears, 

So  sad,  patheti(!,  and  yet  tnie 

The  poetess  the  picture  drew. 

At  length,  within  a  eity  proud 

That  holds  the  nation's  greatest  crowd. 

They  foimd  a  chance  from  some  retreat 

To  gaze  upon  the  leading  street. 

While  marching  downward,  near  at  hand, 
There  passed  a  famous  German  Ijand. 
Said  one  :     "  These  people,  as  you  know. 
In  every  country  like  to  blow; 
It  may  be  clarionet  or  flute 
Or  trom])one  that  they  choose  to  toot, 
But  this  is  certain  :  they  're  the  boys 
Who  tramp  ahead  and  make  the  noise." 
Another  said  :     "  Come,  let  us  find 
Some  instruments  of  every  kind. 
Both  those  that  toot  and  those  that  squeal 
And  those  that  like  an  organ  peal, 
And  also  others  large  and  round 
That  loudly  '  rub-a-dub  ! '  will  sound. 
We  '11  bear  them  to  a  distant  grove 
Where  prying  people  seldom  rove; 
And  then  we  '11  practise  at  the  tunes 
On  fiddles,  haut-boys,  and  bassoons, 
Until  we  charm  the  birds  of  air 
With  music  rightly  rendered  there." 

100 


THE  BKOWNIEH   IN   GERMANY. 


Another  cried  :     "  You  may,  indeed, 
On  me  depend  to  take  the  lead. 
A  thousand  airs  1  underHtand, 
With  all  their  variations  gi'and, 
That  lead  you  off,  as  if  astray, 
From  what  you  first  commenced  to  play. 
I  '11  hlow  the  horn  and  draw  the  bow. 
And  how  to  beat  the  drum  I'll  show, 
So  those  who  have  the  dullest  ear 
For  music  cannot  help  but  hear, 
And  learn  to  love  it  as  they  should 
If  they  are  capable  of  good." 

This  was  enou^^li  for  one  and  all; 

That  night  they  ran  and  made  a  haul. 

The  stort;  was  bolted  like  a  cell, 

But  they  got  in,  and  out,  as  well, 

Each  })earing  off  as  he  professed. 

The  instrument  he  liked  the  best. 

Soon  some  were  much  surprised  to  find 

Their  mouths  for  horns  were   not  designed. 

And  some  had  fingers  far  too  set 

For  either  flute  or  clarionet. 

But  after  changing  round,  I  wis. 

An  h(nn'  or  so,  from  that  to  this. 

To  rightly  suit  the  mouth  and  hand 

Of  every  member  of  the  band. 

They  were  in  readiness  at  last, 

With  everything  in  order  classed : 

The  fiddle  tuned  to  match  the  tone 

Of  something  with -a  kindred  drone, 

107 


A':i 


i 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  GERMANY. 


,■>•}_, ^,      "     (.••;.'»l';r..^.^;,;v'V''-"'^'^*'- •'*'*^*'"''''''    ''." 


And  drummers  knowing  well  the  spot 

Where  they  might  hang  away  or  not. 

The  cunning  Brownies  with  dehght 

In  greatest  efforts  did  unite. 

They  shook  the  leaves  on  tree  and  vin^, 

As  loud  they  played  "  Die  Wacht  am  Rhein." 

The  hymn  to  liberty,  so  dear 

To  sons  of  France,  charmed  eveiy  ear; 

The  march  that  lifts  the  Biilon's  heart 

When  duty  calls  and  friends  must  part ; 

The  "  Bonnie  Doon  "  and  "  Garry  Owen  " 

In  turn,  by  kind  request,  were  biown. 

JSTor  was  the  Western  world  forgot : 

The  airs  that  cheered  the  patriot, 

108 


THE   BKOWNIES   IN   GEKMANY. 


When  in  liis  Continental  suit 

He  dared  the  nionareh's  claims  dispute, 

Were  given  with  an  extra  blare, 

In  honor  of  Columbia  fair. 

At  times  tliey  marched  in  single  line. 

At  times  in  clusters  would  combine. 

With  arm  to  arm  and  toe  to  heel. 

And  scarcely  room  enough  to  wheel. 

Too  soon  that  pleasant  night  went  by, 

And  stars  began  to  leave  the  sky. 

So  Brownies  had  no  time  to  spare 

Wlien  they  returned  with  proper  care 

The  fiddles,  drums,  and  horns  once  more 

Where  they  had  found  them  hours  before. 

To  other  points  that  hold  a  place 

In  history,  they  took  a  race. 

Upon  the  field  of  Waterloo 

No  rest  the  cunning  Brownies  knew 

Until  their  lively  feet  could  gain 

Each  acre  of  the  famous  plain. 

They  paused  where  from  his  charger  white 

Napoleon  viewed  the  doubtful  fight 

And  urged  his  legions  on  to  dare 

The  dangers  of  the  bristling  square. 

They  stood  where  Wellington  was  found, 


While  thickest 
Encouraging  his 
To  firmly  stand. 


caniage  strewed  the  ground, 
men,  like  rock 
to  bide  the  shock. 


10 


iot> 


THE  BROWNIES  IN 
SWITZEKLAND. 

Thieteenth  Stage. 

Switzerland  the  mountains  high, 

That  seemed  to  blend  the  earth  and  sky, 

Delijjhted  all  the  Brownie  band; 

And  oft  they  tried,  with  foot  and  hand. 

To  scale  the  rugged  cliffs  around 

Until  the  highest  peak  was  found. 

It  mattered  not  that  ice  and  snow 

Made  travel  dangerous  and  slow. 

Said  one :  "  Where'er  the  foot  of  man 
Has  found  a  rest,  a  Brownie's  can. 
I  know  the  way  that  men  set  out, 
With  pointed  staffs  to  prod  about 
And  feel  their  way  when  storms  arise 
That  almost  blind  their  straining  eyes. 
We  '11  do  the  same,  and  ropes  we  '11  take 
To  tie  ourselves  for  safety's  sake. 
So  should  one  fall,  as  fall  he  may, 
The  others  can  his  tmnble  stay." 

110 


I 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  SWITZERLAND. 


Thus  well  prepared  for  greatest  height 

They  chmbed  the  Matterhorn  one  night. 

Some  by  a  rope  were  well  combined, 

So  each  could  prompt  assistance  find, 

In  case  a  Brownie  failed  to  keep 

His  footing  on  the  windy  steep. 

For  hours  they  scaled  the  mountain-side, 

Still  climbing  on  without  a  guide; 

But  as  some  higher  point  appeared 

For  this  at  once  the  Brownies  steered. 
Said  one :  "No  guiding  hand  we  need 
While  we  have  courage  to  proceed 
And  eyes  to  see  the  summit  bare 
That  still  is  high  above  us  there; 
So,  without  halting,  up  we  '11  go 
Until  we  leave  the  clouds  below. 
We  '11  surely  know  enough  to  stop 
When  we  at  last  j^         have  reached  the  top." 

Thus  chatting  free-      ^^       ly  on  they  went. 
Resolved  to  make        ^^v       ^^^  ^^^^  ascent. 
Now  toiling  up  as         Vu         best  they  could. 
Now  slipping  back,       \j^     ^^  i^  ^^^  good. 
Now  helping  other-s     (^"^^      to  a  shelf. 

Now  very  much  concerned  for  self. 

While  clouds  of  snow  around  them  rolled 

And  sharper  grew  the  biting  cold. 

Once,  as  a  dangerous  point  they  passed. 

So  sudden  came  the  icy  blast. 

In  spite  of  all  the  care  they  showed 

It  blew  a  number  from  the  road, 
111 


ill 

I? 


iii 


THE  BROWNIES  IN   SWITZERLAND. 

To  twiri  them  wildly  through 

the  air 
And  keep  them  dangling 

helpless  there, 
While  those  who  still 

a  footing  fonnd 
Clung  to  the  rope  that 

swayed  around, 
Until,  with  mighty  tug 

and  strain, 
The  party  could  their 

place  regain. 
At  times,  when  dangers 

thus  assailed. 
The  courage  of 
some 
Brownie  failed, 
And  one  declared 
't  would  take 
a  week 
To  carry  out 
their  crazy 
freak, 
And  thought 
they  should  at 
once  retire 
And  warm 
themselves 
around 
a  fire. 


THE  BEOWNIES  IN  SWITZEELAND. 


Said  he:  "The  glory  we  would  gain 

If  we  at  last  the  crest  attain, 

Would  hardly,  my  ambitious  friends. 

For  lost  companions  make  amends." 

Another  said:  "Your  paling  face 
Is  not  becoming  to  your  race. 
Shall  we,  who  dared  the  raging  sea 
Upon  a  raft,  now  thwarted  be, 

Because  the  mountain  here  enshrouds 

Its  head  in  dark  and  theatening  clouds? 

My  friend,  where'er  the  human  kind 

Have  set  their  feet,  I  am  inclined 

To  think  we,  too,  that  spot  can  win. 

Or  else  decline  is  setting  in. 

Our  usefulness  is  surely  passed 

If  we  must  turn  from  icy  blast ; 

Our  courage  must  be  ebbing  low 

If  we  're  afraid  of  drifting  snow; 

Our  enterprise  is  getting  weak 

If  we  can't  find  a  mountain  peak. 

If  mystic  power  must  go  for  naught 
When  we  're  in  face  of  trials  brought, 
We  might  as  well  give  others  room 
And  start  at  once  to  build  our  tomb." 

Thus  braver  spirits  cheered  the  rest 

And  pointed  to  the  gUttering  crest 

On  which,  ere  long,  they  all  could  stand 

If  courage  would  uphold  the  band. 

Those  who  have  marked  the  Brownies'  way 

And  perseverance  day  by  day 


io« 


113 


t 


I 


!i 


V  ;> 


i  ■' 


'''■'■4'    J^f^ 


THE  BKOWNIES  IN  SWITZERLAND. 

Will  know  that  on  the  top  at  length 
The  Brownies  stood  in  all  their  strength, 
And  gazed  upon  the  world  below 
That  foiined  a  panorama  show. 
And  paid  them  well,  as  they  declared, 
For  all  the  dangers  they  had  dared. 
Once  in  their  midnight  rambling  round 
The  Ijion  of  Lucerne  they  found 
That  's  chiseled  from  the  mountain  hard 
In  memory  of  the  brave  Swiss  Uuard 
That  struggling  for  tlie  Bourbon  well 
In  his  defense  all  fighting  fell. 
The  Brownies  next  set  out  to  view 
Lake  Leman's  tide  so  deep  and  blue, 


The  wave-washed  walls  they  gazed  upon 
That  held  the  Prisoner  of  Chillou 
So  many  years,  while  by  his  side 
In  fetters  fast  his 


They  boldly  ventured 

down  the  stair 
To  see  the  chains  he 


u 


to  wear, 


^^»*^feife^ 


114 


THE  BEOWNIES  IN  SWITZERLAND. 


And  mark  the  narrow  dungeon's  bound 
In  which  at  last  he  moved  around; 
They  paced  it  back  and  forth  to  find 
To  what  a  vault ,  he  was  consigned, 
And  thought  how  well  the  poet's  pen 
Has  made  his  sufferings  known  to  men. 
The  naiTow  window  they  surveyed 
To  which  the  bird  its  visit  pai5, 

As  if  to  try  with  vocal 

powers 
To  cheer  him  through  the 

gloomy  hours. 
With  sympathetic  feelings 

kind, 
Before  they  left  the  cell 

behind. 
They  scrawled  his  name  upon  the  wall, 
His  long  imprisonment  and  all, 
And  passed  a  vote  of  censure  strong 
Upon  the  prince  who  did  the  wrong. 


••'"'I  oan^ 


jhllotl|<rroui|tri>*  l|f(r  kt  ffaqii 
^wnittl)*  coming  of  Hje  hand. 


lift 


^w^^ 


THE   BROWNIES   IN 

HOLLAND. 

Fifteenth  Stage. 

winter  season  worked  around 
Before  the  Brownies  Holland  found. 
They  traveled  half-way  through  the  land 
On  skates,  a  free  and  happy  band. 
At  times  a  dike  would  be  their  road, 
At  times  a  meadow  overflowed, 
Then  up  a  river  they 

would  train 
Until  it 

narrowed 

to  a  drain, 
Compelling 

them  to 

walk  awhile 
Until  more 

ice  would 

make  them 
.  smile. 

116 


> 


TT 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  HOLLAND. 

If  through  a  sad  mistako  a  few 

Went  in  the  stream,  as  people  do 

Who  sometimes  overestimate 

The  strength  of  ice  beneath  the  skate, 

Their  comrades  would  not  leave  them  there, 

But  every  risk  and  danger  share 

With  willing  hand  and  courage  good, 

Till  every  one  in  safety  stood. 

While  in  that  country  moving  round. 

Commenting  on  the  sights  they  found. 

They  paused  to  stare  with  wondering  eyes 

Upon  a  windmill  large  of  size. 

Said  one :  "  This  tmned  in  days  gone  by 
To  grind  the  farmer's  wheat  and  rye, 
But  disconnected  now  with  stone. 
Or  working-gear,  it  stands  alone, 
Affording  shelter  to  the  mice 
When  winter  coats  the  land  with  ice." 
At  length  some  daring  ones  began 
To  climb  the  mill,  and  boldly  ran 
Upon  the  roof,  then,  worst  of  all, 
Upon  the  vanes  to  freely  crawl. 
Until  one  half  the  Brownies  there 
Had  found  a  place  to  perch  in  air. 

'T  is  strange,  indeed,  how  storms  can  rise 

As  though  at  once  from  cloudless  skies ; 

'T  is  strange  how  squalls  capsize  the  boat 

Just  when  it  seemed  to  safest  float ; 

And  strange  how  soon,  through  groaning  trees. 

There  came  that  night  a  sweeping  breeze, 

117 


THE  BHOWNIES   IN   HOLLAND. 


*.55ic"g*t2^ 


And  struck  with  force  that  ancient  mill 
That  had  for  years  heen  standing  still, 
Nor  turned  a  sail  nor  made  a  pound 
Of  flour  for  the  people  round. 

No  one  was  more  surprised,  no  doubt, 
In  all  the  country  thereabout 

Than  were  those 
Brownies, 
gi-ave  or  gay, 
Who  to  the  vanes 
had  found  their 
way. 
j!  And  now  tliey  learned 

to  their  regret, 
The  mill  had  life 

within  it  yet. 
They  had  small 
choice  of  what 
to  do 
As  round 
and  round 
it  wildly 
flew. 
They 

simply 
had  to  be 
content 
To  travel 
with  it 
as  it  went. 


118 


THE  BROWNIES   IN   HOLLAND. 


J 


It  did  not  prove  a  simple  j?ust, 
To  bend  the  gi'uss  and  liurl  tlie  dust, 
But  such  a  wind  as  rends  the  ash 
And  hrinj?s  the  steeple  with  a  crash. 

And  thouj>;h  the  rust  had  time  to  spoil 
The  journals  that  now  screeched  for  oil, 
As  it'  complainhij^  at  the  part 
They  played  aj^ainst  all  rules  of  art. 
The  mill  did  j^reater  stir  display 
That  hour  than  in  its  perfect  day,  I 

And  had  there  heen  some  grain  inside,  " 
The  town  would  soon  have  been  supplied 
With  Hour  from  tiie  smokins?  stones, 
That  turned  within  with  creaks  and  groans. 
But  Brownies,  as  before  was  told. 
Are  not  the  kind  that  lose  their  hold, 
And  so  through  all  their  circling  trip 
But  few,  if  any,  lost  their  grip, 
And  even  when  the  vanes  gave  out — 
And  some  soon  did,  and  flew  about 
In  wild  career  before  the  blast — 
The  Brownies  still  were  clinging  fast. 
And  though  they  suffered  many  a  shake 
They  reached  the  ground  without  a  break. 
Then  one  remarked:  "I  think  't  is  time 
We  traveled  to  some  other  clime." 


Wemusi"  travel 
come  lohat  ►"n_y 

\ 


Otffer  coaittries 
to  suruey. 


119 


TTTE  BROWNIES 

IN  RUSSIA. 

Sixteenth  Stage. 

Russian  ground  no  lengthy  stay 
The  Brownies  made  to  work  or  play. 
Said  one:  "If  we  had  not  to  go 
Across  this  country,  as  you  know, 
While  circling  the  terrestrial  ball 
We  'd  hardly  give  the  place  a  call. 
From  poorest  peasant  up  to  peer        J 
There  's  too  much  secret  plotting  here. 
Too  many  mines  and  bombs  concealed 
In  city,  village,  road,  and  field. 
'T  is  hardly  safe  to  touch  a  brier 
Or  twig,  lest  it  should  wake  a  fire 
That  would  not  leave  a  foot  or  hand 
Or  head  intact  of  all  the  band. 
However  dark  may  be  the  night 
A  sentinel  will  pop  in  sight 
So  we  're  compelled  to  hide  away 
Through  hours  of  night  as  well  as  day. 
They  stand  on  guard  o'er  mill  and  mine 
O'er  bridges,  boats,  and  pipes  of  wine. 

120 


THE   imoWNIES  IN  RUSSIA. 


8oiii(3  stand  to  guard  tlio  ruler's  bed, 
More  watidi  his  baker  make  the  bread, 
For  fear  some  poison  lie  mij,dit  throw 
With  venj^eful  hand  amid  the  dougli; 
More  wateh  the  chemist  while  he  tries 
The  coffee  that  the  cook  sui)plies; 
The  horse  is  f^juarded  on  all  sides 
On  which  the  Ozar  at  morning  rides, 
For  fear  they  'd  deck  it  well  at  night 
With  cartridges  of  dynamite 
To  scatter  him  around  the  street 
The  moment  that  he  takes  his  seat." 


11 


At  times  up  to  the  ears  in  snow 
They  struggled  thrijugh  a  valley  low, 
And  only  that  the  band  possessed 
Endurance  equal  to  the  best, 
Some  place  hke  that  to-day  would  hold 
The  bones  of  every  Brownie  bold. 
Of  Moscow,  as  they  hurried  through 
The  land,  the  Brownies  gained  a  view. 

121 


U 


hr- 


m 


I 

lit 


THE   BROWNIES   IN   RUSSIA. 


There  on  a  bridge  the  wondering  band 
Before  the  Kremlin  paused  to  stand 


122 


THE  BROWNIES   IN   RUSSIA. 


And  mark  the  many- 

towerod  pile 
That  flowed  in  Oriental 

style. 
Once  while  tliey  crossed 

a  lonely  waste 
A  pack  of  wolves  the 

Brownies  chased, 
For  miles  and  miles,  well 

was  their  need, 
They  scjmipered  at  their 

hiji^hest  speed 
Through  hroken  ground 

of  every  kind 
And  still  could  hear  the 

howls  behind, 
Now  sinking  to  a  muffled 

wail, 
Now  rising  louder  on 

the  gale. 
Until  the  frosty  hills 

around 

Gave  answer  to  the  awful  sound 

12a 


n 


let  your  home  be  wliere 

Jtwill 
You'll  find  u)or)(  before 
you  »tiH. 


THE   BROWNIES   IN   RUSSIA. 

But  as  the  pack  with  bristUng  hair 

And  open  mouths  an(^  fiery  glare, 

Above  a  snowy  ridge  appeared, 

A  friendly  tree  the  Brownies  neared. 

For  this  they  ran,  and  well  they  might 

With  half  a  hundred  wolves  in  sight, 

Each  brute  jirepared  to  stow  away 

A  breakfast  with  but  small  delay. 

But  ere  they  reached  the  tree  in  view 

The  howling  terrors  closer  drew 

With  biistling  backs  and  clashing  jaws. 

Bright  flashing  eyes  and  nimble  paws. 

But,  though  they  skirmished  left  and  light 

At  closest  range  they  failed  to  bite 

As  if  the  cunning  rogues  surmised 

A  mystic  prey  they  had  surpiised 
Of  quite  a  different  f(»rm  and  caste 
From  those  they  had  devoured  last. 
Meanwhile  the  Brownies  ne'er  forgot 
The  tree  that  gi'aced  that  lonely  spot, 
And  kept  alive  and  in  the  race 
Until  they  reached  its  rugged  base. 
The  lu"  ^ging,  climbing,  scratching  now. 
As  each  one  sought  to  gain  a  bough, 
Might  j)ring  a  smile  to  every  face 
Had  this  not  been  a  serious  case. 
That  did  in  greatest  manner  plead 
For  mystic  exercise  indexed. 
If  that  old  tree,  that  long  had  grown 
Upon  the  frozen  plain  alone, 


1.1 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  RUSSIA. 


ir 


Had  beoii  designed  with  .special  care 
To  meet  the  need  of  Browiues  there, 
It  hardly  could  be  better  planned 
In  fitness  for  tlu^  lively  l)and. 
Tiii.iugh  all  that  night  with  hungry  eyes 
The  wolves  sat  glaring  at  the  prize, 

V2u 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  RUSSIA. 

In  hopes  some  branch  would  snap  at  last 
With  overweight,  or  else  a  blast 
Might  shake  a  shower  from  the  tree 
That  patience  might  rewarded  be. 
At  length,  as  night  her  mantle  rent, 
The  wolves  appeared  to  catch  the  scent 
Of  something  on  a  distant  hill 
That  seemed  to  promise  better  still; 


vl 


i 


So  in  a  trice  the  siege  was  raised. 
And  all  the  Brownies,  much  amazed. 
Descended  from  the  tree  in  haste 
And  made  their  way  across  the  waste. 


126 


i 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  CHINA. 

Sixteenth  Stage. 

HROUGH  many  trials  hard  to  face 
The  Brownies  moved  from  place  to  place, 
Now  camping  on  some  dreary  wild, 
Now  in  some  village  domiciled, 
In  waiting  till  a  better  chance 
Was  offered  for  a  safe  advance, 
Until  before  their  wondering  eyes 
They  saw  the  strange  pagodas  rise, 
And  saw  the  wall  built  long  ago 
To  keep  aloof  a  plundering  foe. 
And  then  they  knew  not  far  away 
The  "Flowery  Kingdom"  smiHng  lay. 


Without  a  ladder,  rope,  or  line. 
Or  aught  except  a  clinging  vine. 
To  aid  them  in  their  steep  ascent, 
Upon  the  wall  the  Brownies  went. 
Said  one:  '"T  is  here  this  very  hour 
We  show  indeed  superior  power. 

127 


.^<^ 


THE  BROWNIES  Tii    CHINA. 


If 


hi! 

N 

i 
i 


li 


P*i>iEH  Cox. 


^*-y^ 


"i:-*'-li» 

"-i^, 


This  wall  that  kept  the  Tatars  out 
Two  thousand  years,  or  thereabout,  ' 
Has  failed  to  keep  the  Brownie  band 
For  fifteen  minutes  from  the  land." 
The  Brownies  many  wonders  found 
While  through  that  empire  roaming  round. 
'T  was  large  enough  to  let  them  range 
Through  fertile  plains  and  cities  strange 
For  weeks  and  months,  and  still  pm'sue 
Their  way  through  scenes  and  wonders  new. 
Said  one :  "  The  oldest  country  spread 
Upon  the  world  we  Brownies  tread; 
Great  nations  rose  and  swept  away 
Their  neighbors'  lines,  and  had  then'  day, 
Then  crumbled  to  a  Inal  fall. 
But  this  old  empire  lived  through  all. 
Three  thousand  years  have  left  no  trace 
Upon  the  customs  of  the  race; 
Still  eating  rice  and  drinking  tea. 
Behind  their  wall  from  trouble  free, 
They  live  content  to  be  alone 
Among  their  slmnes  of  wood  and  stone." 

128 


.  Ill, Hi,- 
^tjifli"!"'' 


THE   BROW^HES  IN   CHINA. 

Another  said :  "  'T  is  well  that  they 
Are  not  inclined  from  home  to  stray, 
For  if  the  sea  they  ventui'e  o'er 
They  '11  find  small  welcome  at  the  shore." 
The  Brownies  climbed  the  towers  grand 
That  are  so  common  in  the  land, 
And  freely  did  their  views  exchange 
About  the  architecture  strange. 
Said  one :  "  Not  often  do  we  find 
A  place  where  builders  are  so  kind. 

Here  shelves  abound  Avhere  one  can  stop 
And  rest  while  climbing  to  the  top: 
By  easy  stages  we  can  rise 
And  view  the  land  that  round  us  lies, 
And  what  seemed  like  a  trying  task 
Is  sport  as  good  as  one  could  ask. 
No  slippery  spire  of  tin  or  slate. 
To  which  we  have  to  trust  our  weight. 
We  here  encounter  as  we  go 
But  wood  that  suits 

both  hand  and  toe. 
And  they  must  be  but 

ct)mmon  people 
Who  lose  their  hold  on 

such  a  steeple." 
At  times  too  many 
rushed  to 
view 
An  object  that 

attention  drew, 


/'Atnt-fi  Coyi 


129 


THE   BROWNIES   IN   CHINA. 


And  then  the  odd-shaped  roof  would  bend 

Or  yield,  and  with  its  load  deseend, 

And  only  mystic  powers  conld  save 

The  Brownies  froni  an  early  grave. 

It  has  to  be  a  fearful  squall, 

It  has  to  be  a  stunning  fall. 

It  needs  must  be  a  wild  affair 

In  shape  of  beast,  or  bird  of  air 

That  can  subdue  the  lively  band. 

Or  bring  their  actions  to  a  stand. 

Oh,  could  we  mortals,  toiling  here 

Upon  this  fast-revolving  sphere. 

Like  them  surmount  the  gi'eatest  ill 

And  bravely  face  the  music  still. 

We  might  do  many  things  I  trow 

We  '11  leave  unfinished  when  we  go ! 

Not  often  strangers  penetrate 

Into  that  country  old  and  great. 

And  when  they  do  some  years  go  by 

While  they  one  half  its  wonders  spy, 

So  do  not  marvel  that  the  band 

Were  some  weeks  passing  through  the  land. 

And  oft  were  prompted  to  declare 

It  paid  them  well  to  journey  there. 


^       to  bear 
it}  ttjirid 


I  ^ose  M)^o 
tr&uel  Jar 
uUl  /irjoL- 


si 


■1^ 


130 


r'.J^^    ...        -       "v., 


rn 


THE  BR0AVNIE8  IN  JAPAN. 

Seventeenth  Sta(}e. 

course  of  time  the  Brownies  found 
Themselves  on  the  Mikado's  ground, 
Where,  though  the  natives  seemed  to  be 
Enhghtened  in  a  small  degree 
Above  their  neighbors,  soon  't  was  known 
They  had  strange  notions  of  their  own. 
And  Brownies  saw,  to  theii*  regre^, 
The  people  were  in  darkness  yet. 


-  V'JiAf  £-/f    CCJ<    ■ 


While  through  the  country,  strange  and  vast. 
The  active  band  of  Brov/nies  passed, 
From  town  to  to\vn,  o'er  many  a  mile 
They  traveled  in  the  native  style. 


131 


/  V^ 


^ 


THE   BROWNIES   IN   JAPAN. 

Some  members  riding  there  in  state, 
More  bending  down  beneath  the  weight, 
As  Tip  and  down  the  lengthy  road- 
Tli(*y  struggled  with  their  heavy  load. 
But  oft,  as  onward  still,  they  ranged, 
The  situations  would  be  changed, 
And  thus  by  many  a  shifting  scene 
All  tried  both  ways  the  palanquin. 


/'ALfiff  Con. 


Again  with  parasols  they  'd  go 

Along  the  road  a  lengthy  row. 

In  imitation  of  the  way 

The  people  guard  their  heads  by  day. 

And  with  their  fans  whene'er  they  please 

Create  an  artificial  breeze. 

Sometimes  they  traveled  through  the  land 

With  lanterns  swinging  in  each  hand. 

To  light  them  through  a  dangerous  gi'ound 

Where  trouble  might  their  path  surround. 

At  times  they  halted  in  surprise 

Before  an  idol  of  large  size. 

And  sometimes  Brownies  were  not  slow 

Upon  the  towering  form  to  go. 

132 


^ 


THE   inioWNlEH   IN   JAPAN. 


Somo  on  the 
And  sonio 
And  wondered 

That  spread 


liands  or  slioulders  got 
peeped  in  the  incense  i)ot, 
where  the  herbs 

were  f(jund 
snch  stitiing 

odors  r(jund; 


llllilli'itiiMliltlillllfllMlll 


lAiiiiiiiiififiitfp^^^^ 

iiiiiiiiii((ii[tiiiifiiitar  ■ 
iiittiiiiiii 


12 


133 


:«^i 
'<«! 


THE  mtOWNIES   IN   JAPAN. 

More  talked  about  the  wretched  state 

Of  people,  howsoever  givat, 

Who  pin  their  faith  upon  a  toy 

That  wind  and  weather  can  destroy. 

Said  one:  "'T  is  painful  to  behold 

At  every  turn  these  idols  old, 

Though  dumb  they  sit,  a  tale  they  tell 

That  thoughtful  minds  may  ponder  well; 
They  hint  of  millions,  strong  of  will, 
Who  blindly  grope  in  error  still; 
There  's  work  for  pen  and  preachers  too 
Before  the  Christians'  task  is  through. 
For  many  a  pm'se  its  mite  must  yield 
And  many  a  teacher  take  the  field. 
And  many  a  stubborn  knee  must  bend, 
And  many  an  earnest  prayer  ascend 
Ere  every  idol  in  this  place 
Has  tumbled  headlong  from  its  base." 
Thus  moralizing  as  they  ran 
The  Brownies  traveled  through  Japan, 
In  the  Mikado's  gardens  strayed 
Where  flowers  bloomed  and  fountains  played, 
While  mirror  lakes  and  well-tilled  ground 
Formed  pictures  fair  for  miles  around. 


Jiou)  toe  II  ta,\\e  Hje  road  orjcenjore 
OHjer  regi'oqs  to  explore. 


''■U/.4-A  rC  X  _  ^ 


134 


oo 


lyed, 
nd 


THE  BB0WN1P]S  IN  THE 


POLAR  REGIONS. 


"*b, 


Eighteenth  Stage. 


I'^ftr '  on  their  homeward  way  at  last 

The  Brownies  through  wild  regions  passed, 
Where  ice  was  piled  and  breezes  blew 
That  baffled  many  a  daring  crew. 
But  Brownies,  brave  in  every  clime, 
Pushed  on,  nor  lost  one  moment's  time. 
Fresh  from  the  sunny  Land  of  Tea 
They  tramped  across  a  frozen  sea. 
Where  fish  to  few  temptations  rise, 
And  have  small  practice  catching  flies. 

Said  one:  "Tnis  land  of  northern  Ughts 

And  shooting  stars  and  lengthy  nights 

Of  which  explorers  often  rave, 

Or  dream  about  the  icy  wave  r 

That  lies  around  the  Pole  so  vast, 

Where  no  one  yet  has  anchor  cast, 

Is,  after  all,  scarce  worth  the  cost 

Of  noble  lives  that  still  are  lost 

As  expeditions  strive  in  vain 

From  year  to  year  this  point  to  gain. 


135 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  THE  POL^X.  ilEGIONS. 

But  still  the  time  will  come,  no  doubt, 
When  men  will  find  all  f^ecrets  out 
And  feast  their  eyes  upon  this  sea 
So  quickly  found  by  you  and  me. 
We  need  no  map,  nor  chart,  nor  plan. 
Because  not  limited,  like  man. 
To  knowledge  passed  from  hand  to  hand; 
Through  ages  long,  the  Brownie  band. 
In  ways  pf\5uliar  to  the  i^ice 
With  all  requii'ements  keep  pace." 
Reviewing  thus  the  region  cold 
That  has  such  wonders  to  unfold 
In  icy  island,  gulf,  and  lay. 
That  maps  may  show  some  later  da/. 
The  Brownies  various  metliods  tried 
By  wliich  to  cross  the  country  wide ; 
They  tiu'ned  to  use  whate'er  they  found 
To  aid  them  as  they  journeyed  round. 
The  cunning  band  some  dogs  secured. 
To  cold  and  bardshij)  well  iniu'ed, 
And  on  inide  sledges  void  of  art. 
In  wliich  large  skins  played  leading  part. 
They  traveled  over  many  a  plain 
That  bold  explorers  sought  in  vain; 
While  others  had  the  luck  to  find 
Some  reindeer  of  the  strongest  kind. 
That  could  be  trusted  to  proceed 
O'er  roughest  ground  at  greatest  speed. 
In  different  ways  the  hardy  deer 
Was  ?nade  to  render  service;  here; 

130 


' 


K 


^^*Lr^en  cox 


V2' 


I'HE  BROWNIES  IN  THE  POLAR  REGIONS. 

Some  on  its  back  a  station  found 
./\nd  by  the  horns  would  steer  it  round 
Without  the  use  of  curb  or  rein 
Or  cruel  instrument 

of  pain, 
As  if  a  wondrous 

charm  controlled 
The  beast  however 
strong  or  old. 
While  of  the  space 

fi'om  head  to  tail 
The  Brownies  did 

themselves  avail, 
And,  though  smooth 
saddles  were  denied, 
Endm'ed  the  hardships  of  the  ride. 
More  tied  the  reindeer  to  a  sled 
And  thus  across  the  couv-vy  sped. 
Sometimes  well  matched,  an  even  span, 
With  even  wliiffletree  they  ran: 
Sometimes  a  tandem  team  they  flew 
And  gave  the  driver  much  to  do, 
And  shook  the  sled  until  its  load 
Was  spilling  out  along  the  road. 
Away,  away  witli  flying  feet 
Would  go  the  sroi-ting  cou^'ser  fleet. 
O'er  level  plains  and  icy  piles, 
Till  many,  many  hundred  miles 
Behind  tlie  daring  band  would  slip 
Without  the  use  of  snapping  whip. 

137 


V\i 


II 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  THE  POLAR  RT^'GHONS. 


//'M 


Said  one :  "  The 
stories  have 
been  read 
Of  messengers 
that  quickly 
sped 
With  stirring 
news,  or  good 
or  bad, 
According  to 
the  times 
they  had. 
Who  never 
halted,  never 
drew 
A  rein  until 
their  task 
was  through. 
Now  we  to-night 
no  message 
bear 


To  either  please  a  town,  or  scare, 
And  yet  could  people  see  us  go 
Thus  over  fields  of  ice  and  snow 
At  such  a  rate,  they  'd  argue  well 
That  we  had  hasty  news  to  tell." 
At  times  mishaps  occurred,  't  is  true. 
While  over  frozen  fields  they  flew, 
For  some,  no  matter  how  they  tried 
To  keep  their  place  upon  the  hide, 

138 


,1 

II 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  THE  POLAE  REGIONS. 


I*)  tl)e  coldest  lAnd 

3^ou'U  find 
Henrta  are  often  uArm 
ond  kind. 


"Would  find  themselves  through  jolt  or  twist 
A  mile  behind  ere  they  were  missed. 
But  do  not  think  the  band  would  press 
Ahead  and  leave  them  in  distress — 
No;  quick  as  they  could  bring  about 
A  halt,  they  'd  answer  to  the  shout 
Of  those  who  for  a  time  were  placed 
Alone  upon  the  dreary  waste. 
For  brothers  from  one  trundle-bed, 
Who  at  one  dish  have  broken  bread 
Before  a  proud  and  loving  mother. 
Are  not  more  prompt  to  aid  each  other 
Than  are  the  Brownies  to  assist 
The  poorest  member  on  the  Hst. 
Thus  on  +hey  went  o'er  plain  and  hill 
Without  a  thought  of  change  until 
They  reached  a  milder  chme  that  gave 
More  freedom  to  that  northern  wave. 
On  cakes  of  ice  that  floated  free 
The  Br*  '^nies  then  put  out  to  sea, 
To  cross  ii  gulf  or  open  bay 
That  in  the  line  of  travel  lay. 
Said  one :  "  We  've  been  on  boats  before. 
And  on  a  raft  two  weeks  or  more. 
With  only  slippeiy  logs  t<»  keep 
Us  from  the  monsters  oi  the  deep, 
And  thought  the  trials  falling-  fast 
Around  us  ne'er  could  be        passed, 
But  when  one  comes  to  take  a  trip 
Upon  an  iceberg  for  a  ship. 


139 


El    4 


THE  BROWNIE?  IN  THE  POLAR  REGIONS. 

That  neither  has  a  rudder  stout 
Nor  spreading  sail  to  help  him  out, 
But  drifts  at  random  to  and  fro 
Whichever  way  the  tide  may  go, 
He  '11  not  be  anxious  to  extend 
His  pleasure-trip,  you  may  depend." 


11 


li 


I 


W'^' '  -~ 


//Ji^ff/f  CoX 


Then  heaving  up  through  holes  in  ice 
Would  rise  the  wahiis  in  a  trice. 
And  fill  each  Brownie's  heart  with  fear 
That  happened  to  be  beating  near. 
Sometimes  a  bear  that  thought  to  make 
A  landing  on  a  floating  cake, 
Would  start  at  <^nce  a  tumult  great 
And  cause  the  band  to  emigrate 
Without  delay  to  some  new  place 
In  hopes  to  shun  his  close  eni])race. 
Thus  dangers  at  each  step  they  found 
While  through  that  regicm  floating  round ; 
They  had  good  use  for  ears  and  eyes 
And  nimble  feet,  you  may  surmise. 
But  where  so  many  heroes  go 
To  find  a  winding-sheet  of  snow, 

140 


THE  BROWNIES   IN   THE   POLAR   REGIONS. 

And  icy  casket  that  will  last 
Until  the  resurrection  blast, 
The  Brownies  hardly  could  expect 
To  find  their  way  with  'oses  decked. 


/''^l.MEU  Con 


Sometimes  surprises  of  a  kind 

Quite  different  would  stir  the  mind:    . 

A  ship,  abandoned  by  its  crew 

Long  years  before,  would  come  in  view; 

On  this  the  Brownies  were  not  slow 

To  climb  about,  their  skill  to  show, 

141 


THE   BROWNIES   IN   THE   POLAR   REGIONS. 


Or  strive  to  study  out  with  care 
Wiiat  expedition  left  it  thore. 
At  length  against  the  darkened  skies 
They  saw  rough  Mount  Verstova  rise, 
Clad  in  its  robes  of  white  and  gray 
And  overlooking  Sitka  Bay, 

142 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  THE  POLAR  REGIONS. 


And  then  a  town  appeared  in  sight 
On  which  they  gazed  with  great  delight, 
For  o'er  the  wooden  castle  old 
A  banner  bright  a  story  told 


'^'"^titcox. 


Of  ownership, 

that  all  the 
band 

Were  shai-p 

enough  to 

understand. 

An  eagle  with  its 

pinions  wide 

Was  hovering  o'er 

their  nation's 

pride, 


And  on  the  instant  such  a  note 
Of  joy  as  swelled  each  Brownie's  throat 
Because  they  had  been  spared  to  stand 
Once  more  upon  the  glorious  land 
From  which  they  bravely  started  out 
To  travel  all  the  world  about. 

So  there,  while  high  the  flag  of  red 
And  white  and  blue  waved  overhead. 
In  songs  of  praise  the  band  combined. 
And  then  one  Brownie  spoke  his  mind : 
"Through  dangers  that  came  thick  and  fast 
The  Brownies  round  the  world  have  passed. 
Contending  with  misfortunes  still 
And  overcoming  every  ill, 

143 


'J\t  your  oil  it  grou'tti^  apara 
Trim  your  l»mp  will^  jrratrr  c«re . 


THE  BROWNIES  IN  THE  POLAB  REGIONS. 

Thus  teaching  lessons  day  by  day 
That  may  be  useful  in  their  way." 

Dear  reader,  now  the  task  is  through, 
But  ere  we  part,  a  word  to  you — 
Yes,  you  who  traveled  hand  in  hand 
With  me  to  watch  the  Brownie  band, 
And  listened  with  attentive  ear 
The  prattUng  of  the  rogues  to  hear. 
And  patiently  surveyed  the  hues 
The  pen  has  traced  in  these  designs, — 
May  you  prove  always  stanch  and  true 
To  comrades,  and  to  neighbors,  too. 
Be  brave  when  trials  fast  descend. 
And  persevering  to  the  end. 
And,  Brownie-like,  you  may  be  blessed - 
They  seldom  fail  who  do  their  best. 


With  afncncU^  u)iiv«  u\  \\ici\A. 
ATow reCi>res  (1}r.3«*oiJnieba>iv«i 


144 


